86-690: The Nauvoo City Council was a short-lived municipal body for the City of Nauvoo, Illinois . The Nauvoo City Charter was passed by the Illinois Legislature on December 16, 1840. The legislature established the Nauvoo City Council, consisting of the Mayor, four Aldermen, and nine Councilors. By state law, each office held a two-year term. According to the charter, members of the City Council also sat on
172-459: A Lieutenant General . Gardner et al. argue that Joseph Smith's use of this power was one of the direct causes for the later suppression of the Legion. The Nauvoo Legion court martial differed in several ways from contemporary militias. Typical American courts-martial are exclusively judicial entities, created to try military personnel in accordance with military law. The state legislature granted
258-514: A Community of Christ (Formerly known as The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), and three wards of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nauvoo is at 40°33′N 91°22′W / 40.550°N 91.367°W / 40.550; -91.367 (40.5446, −91.3803). Situated on a wide bend in the Mississippi River , Nauvoo has most of the historic district in
344-464: A female householder with no husband present, and 21.73% were non-families. 17.25% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.27% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.15 and the average family size was 2.88. The city's age distribution consisted of 25.4% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 10.6% from 45 to 64, and 28.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
430-423: A full military display as part of the temple's cornerstone ceremony. Nauvoo's fourteen companies and two volunteer Mormon cohorts marched from assigned points to the temple grounds, led by Brigadier Generals William Law and Don Carlos Smith . Their entrances were marked by artillery fire. At 9:30 am, Lieutenant General Joseph Smith reviewed the Legion, surrounded by guard, staff, and field officers. His entrance
516-405: A half to a group of about 4000. Raising his sword, he said: "I call God and angels to witness that I have unsheathed my sword with a firm and unalterable determination that this people shall have their legal rights, and be protected from mob violence, or my blood shall be split upon the ground like water, and my body consigned to the silent tomb." He declared martial law and afterwards marched
602-501: A hostile environment in Missouri to Commerce, Illinois, which he renamed Nauvoo. Aiming to win the Mormon voting bloc, Illinois Democrats and Whigs (including Abraham Lincoln ) passed a bipartisan city-state charter for Nauvoo in 1840. On December 16, 1840 Governor Thomas Carlin approved the charter, which was certified by then Secretary of State Stephen A. Douglas . In February 1841
688-616: A larger transfer of historically significant properties and artifacts from the Community of Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also owns most of the other historic sites in Nauvoo, including the homes of Brigham Young , Heber C. Kimball , and other early members of the church, as well as other significant buildings. Most of these sites are open to the public, with demonstrations and displays, and there are self-guided driving tours as well as wagon tours. These tours are free, as are
774-494: A leading opponent of Joseph Smith. Sharp reflected a growing sentiment in Illinois that the combined military and religious Latter Day Saint community posed a threat to the democratic values of individual freedom and separation of church and state, writing, "Every thing they say or do seems to breathe the spirit of military tactics. Their prophet appears, on all great occasions in his splendid regimental dress.... Truly fighting must, be
860-534: A municipal level. This was also a departure from typical procedure in contemporary state militias. Officers were chosen by popular election, and then commissioned at the state level. At the same time, it granted the court martial the legislative duty to mirror the United States army “so far as applicable” in terms of discipline, drill, uniform, rules, and regulations. On April 6, 1841 the Nauvoo Legion paraded in
946-548: A newspaper critical of Joseph Smith and his doctrines of plural marriage . On June 10, 1844, the Nauvoo City council declared the Nauvoo Expositor to be a public nuisance. Joseph Smith, acting as mayor, ordered the city marshal to destroy the printing press and materials. Acting as Lieutenant General, Joseph Smith ordered Major General Jonathan Dunham to use the Nauvoo Legion to assist the city marshal. Non-Mormons claimed
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#17328489340031032-474: A part of the creed of these Saints!" Up to 600 boys from Nauvoo decided to form a military unit in imitation of their fathers, and would parade and drill whenever their fathers did so. Their mothers made uniforms for them; white pants, colorful blouse and a palm hat. Joseph Smith III as a boy carried a wooden sword and a banner that read, "Our fathers we respect; our mothers we'll protect." Other boys also had wooden guns. At one point, they decided to conduct
1118-488: A place for more than 12,000 homeless Saints to find refuge. While journeying in exile, Barlow would separate from the group and eventually make the acquaintance of Dr. Isaac Galland , the owner of land near Montrose, Iowa , and Commerce, Illinois. After hearing of the dire plight of the Saints, Galland offered Barlow to sell the Saints the properties on good terms, an offer that Barlow relayed to Church leaders. The Church purchased
1204-408: A raid on Nauvoo, mustering outside of town and then rushing into the city. They used pots and pans to make noise as they marched in, causing the horses to panic. According to Joseph Smith III, Joseph Smith rode forward on his horse and the boys scattered. Additionally, older men in Nauvoo organized into a group they called the "Benjaminite Company", at one point asking the privilege of assembling with
1290-564: A riot and were taken to Carthage, Illinois . The judge in Carthage revoked bail based on a claim that the Mormons had tried to use the Nauvoo Legion against the state militia. Ford called off most of the Illinois militia and recalled state-issued arms in Nauvoo. In the late afternoon of June 27, 1844 the Carthage Jail where they were held was attacked and they were killed . About two thirds of
1376-511: A shift from 6 pm–6 am and reported directly to the mayor. On August 14 1842, Smith ordered Major General Wilson Law to "preserve the peace of the city of Nauvoo" in any emergency situation. Governor Ford forbade the Legion from acting as a police force on December 12, 1843, leading to an expansion of the official police force, and limiting further police activities by the Nauvoo Legion. The Nauvoo Legion would sometimes perform theatrical military displays to garner local support. On May 7, 1842
1462-634: Is a small city in Hancock County, Illinois , United States, on the Mississippi River near Fort Madison, Iowa . The population of Nauvoo was 950 at the 2020 census . Nauvoo attracts visitors for its historic importance and its religious significance to members of several groups: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ; the Community of Christ , formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (RLDS); other groups stemming from
1548-453: Is also home to Baxter's Vineyards, a small family-owned winery begun in 1857 by Emile Baxter that is Illinois' oldest established winery . Tourism is the major industry in Nauvoo, with Nauvoo Restoration Inc., employing approximately 30, while an estimated 200 missionaries (unpaid) from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints also provide a boost to local businesses during the tourist season. Due to lack of sustainable industries,
1634-441: Is also home to the private Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School, which provides a faith based education for students from preschool through 6th grade. Nauvoo is home to three parks one of which is a state park. Nauvoo is serviced by Memorial Medical Clinic, whose main campus is approximately 24 miles (38.6 km) east of Nauvoo. There is a Walk-In Clinic located within the city itself. Nauvoo Legion The Nauvoo Legion
1720-515: Is land and 1.44 square miles (3.73 km ) (or 29.85%) is water. Non-census data indicates that the population of Nauvoo grew from 100 in 1839 to about 4,000 in 1842, 12,000 in 1844, and stood at about 11,000 in 1845. As of the 2020 census there were 950 people, 313 households, and 245 families residing in the city. The population density was 196.81 inhabitants per square mile (75.99/km ). There were 645 housing units at an average density of 133.62 per square mile (51.59/km ). The racial makeup of
1806-559: The Great Salt Lake Valley . In 1849, Icarians moved to the Nauvoo area to implement a utopian socialist commune based on the ideals of French philosopher Étienne Cabet . The colony had nearly 500 members at its peak, but Cabet's death in 1856 led some members to leave this parent colony. After the departure of the Icarians, Nauvoo became the largest German-speaking community in Illinois and remained so for fifty years. German
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#17328489340031892-695: The Latter Day Saint movement ; and the Icarians . The city and its immediate surrounding area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Nauvoo Historic District . The area of Nauvoo was first called Quashquema , named in honor of the Native American chief who headed a Sauk and Meskwaki settlement numbering nearly 500 lodges. By 1827, white settlers had built cabins in
1978-750: The Municipal Court of Nauvoo – for example, the Mayor doubled in the role of Chief Justice. In January 1845, the legislature repealed the Nauvoo Charter by a vote of 25-14 in the Senate and 75-31 in the House. Nauvoo was dis-incorporated and its assets placed into a receivership. Nauvoo, Illinois Nauvoo ( / ˈ n ɔː v uː / NAW -voo ; from the Hebrew : נָאווּ , Modern : Navu , Tiberian : Nâwû , 'they are beautiful')
2064-599: The Nauvoo Expositor newspaper. Smith was charged with inciting a riot and placed in Carthage Jail where he was killed by a mob . In 1845 the Legion lost its official sanction as an arm of the Illinois militia, though activities continued under command of Brigham Young until the expulsion of the Latter-day Saints from the state. The final conflict in Illinois involving remaining Legion members occurred in September 1846. In 1839, Joseph Smith relocated his followers from
2150-583: The poverty line , including 36.9% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over. The Nauvoo Blue Cheese company began to produce cheese in the 1930s. It was discovered the cool, moist wine cellars in the area were ideal for aging cheese. The wine cellars, and the wine -making business originally started by the Icarians , saw a decline in use because of prohibition . In 2003 the Nauvoo Cheese company went out of business when Saputo food company purchased it and relocated to other facilities. Nauvoo
2236-709: The " Williamsburg of the Midwest." In March 2007, Nauvoo was nominated to compete as one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints sponsors numerous activities throughout the year in Nauvoo including The Nauvoo Pageant (July/August). The 2020 pageant was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The community sponsors the Grape Festival (Labor Day weekend) and Pumpkin Walk (October). Because most of
2322-542: The Illinois council of revision signed the repeal, and the Nauvoo Legion was no longer recognized as state militia. With the repeal of the Nauvoo Charter, the city was left without an official militia or police force. In response, in March 1845 Brigham Young organized the Bishops and Deacons to 1) "take care of the poor" and 2) guard the city at night, to keep everything straight.” Out of these efforts came an organization known as
2408-469: The Illinois state militia. The state, rather than the county militia, provided arms to the legion, and service in the legion exempted members from mandatory service in the state or county militia. Officers in the legion were elected by the legion itself, but officers received their commission from the governor of the state. The state governor or the President of the United States had the power to call on
2494-472: The Legion and Municipal Court. The conference resolved to resist "peaceably if we can, but forcibly, if we must"; to call on the Missouri Governor to once again demand the extradition of Joseph Smith, and to oppose any politician from any party that would "truckle to the heads of the Mormon clan." In Nauvoo, the Legion responded by drilling more intensely, requesting Governor Ford to provide more arms to
2580-582: The Legion had assembled in Nauvoo at noon on the day of the killing , but disbanded after an emissary from the Governor indicated that there was no danger to the Smith's. As word reached Nauvoo, the full Legion assembled on the parade grounds at 10:00 am on June 28, 1844, and accompanied the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum Smith to the Nauvoo Mansion . Leaders preached calm, and the Legion was not used at that time to avenge
2666-440: The Legion was instrumental in destroying the press and called for the arrest of Joseph Smith and other members of the city council for riot. They were arrested but released by the Nauvoo city court on a writ of habeas corpus . On Tuesday, June 18, 1844 Joseph Smith spoke to the Legion from the platform of a partially constructed building across from the Nauvoo Mansion . He stood in full military dress and spoke for an hour and
Nauvoo City Council - Misplaced Pages Continue
2752-587: The Legion with General Hardin and Governor Ford in the audience. Many of the officers paraded without weapons, to remind Ford that he had recalled state-issued arms prior to the events at Carthage. Throughout the fall of 1844 the Legion would occasionally parade and conduct sham battles. On December 19th, the Illinois Senate voted to repeal the Nauvoo Charter, and on January 24th the Illinois House passed its own version of legislation. On January 29, 1845,
2838-575: The Legion, and a renewed recruitment push. In direct response to the Carthage conference, the citizenry of Nauvoo passed a resolution affirming Joseph Smith's role as the General, Mayor and Prophet stating, "if he has equals, he has no superiors." The resolution affirmed the professionalism of the Legion as a "well disciplined and faithful band of invincibles" and praised Governor Ford for not extraditing Smith. Smith's attorney, Congressional Whig candidate Cyrus Walker had agreed to represent him in return for
2924-455: The Legion, writing to the court martial, "we still feel the spirit of seventy-six burning in our bosom, and are willing to grasp the sling and hurl the stone like David of Old." Prior to 1843 Nauvoo did not have a police force, and the Nauvoo Legion was used as local law enforcement. According to John Lee Allaman, "Prophet Joseph Smith and the Nauvoo City Council often used the legion as a primary agent for law and order." On October 30, 1841,
3010-440: The Mormon vote. However, Smith later told his followers that while he would keep his word and vote for Walker, his brother Hyrum Smith had a revelation they should vote for the opponent Joseph Hoge . The Mormon bloc vote was a deciding factor and Hoge won the district by a margin of 547 votes. This was interpreted as a "bait-and-switch maneuver", "a flimsy ruse" and a "betrayal." It weakened Nauvoo's political support from
3096-644: The Nauvoo City council issued writs against men accused of murdering the Smith brothers, plans were made to rid Hancock county of all Mormons. Distributed flyers invited all armed men to participate in a “wolf hunt” in Warsaw on September 26 and 27. Under the guise of a common practice to flush out animals along the prairie, this “wolf hunt” was a plan to attack Nauvoo. Forced to respond, Governor Ford called on Brigadier General John J. Hardin and Whig Major Edward D. Baker to lead five hundred volunteers from nine counties surrounding Hancock towards Nauvoo. This movement
3182-490: The Nauvoo Legion additional legislative and executive powers: 1) the Nauvoo Legion court martial was granted the power to make, ordain, establish, and execute laws and ordinances and 2) The Nauvoo Legion was placed at the disposal of the city mayor to enforce city laws. On February 8, 1841, in accordance with the city charter, the Nauvoo City Council further expanded the executive power of the court martial to internally nominate officers for original commissions and promotions at
3268-399: The Nauvoo Legion for public defense of the state and country. Uncommon for the time, the power to call upon the Legion extended to the mayor of Nauvoo for municipal defense, creating a measure of independence from the county militia and state government. Joseph Smith himself was Nauvoo's second mayor, and the Nauvoo court martial also appointed him as highest-ranking officer of the Legion,
3354-399: The Nauvoo Legion included Judge Advocate, Assistant Chaplain, and Herald and Armour-Bearer. Although the United States army and other contemporary militias held no office higher than a major-general, Joseph Smith held the rank of lieutenant-general, an honor that had not been bestowed on any American since George Washington. Historian Harold Schindler argues that the rank of Lieutenant General
3440-407: The Nauvoo Legion mustered as part of a “Programme Militaire.” They performed a sham battle and Joseph Smith gave an address. Special guests, including Judge Stephen A. Douglas , attended and were invited to Smith's home for dinner. This event marked a breaking point in the strained relationship between Joseph Smith and John C. Bennett. During the sham battle, Bennett had asked Joseph to move to
3526-548: The Nauvoo Legion, was expelled from the Nauvoo Masonic Lodge, and was excommunicated from the church. On August 3, 1842, Wilson Law won a close election with Lyman Wight , and became the Major General of the Nauvoo Legion. On June 17, 1843, a warrant for Joseph Smith's arrest was jointly issued by Illinois Governor Thomas Ford and Missouri Governor Thomas Reynolds on grounds of treason. On June 23 Joseph Smith
Nauvoo City Council - Misplaced Pages Continue
3612-495: The Whigs, and curtailed attempts from all parties to court the Mormon vote. This reneged promise, along with Smith's use of the Legion to avoid extradition, became the basis for growing anti-Mormon sentiment and a bipartisan political movement to revoke the Nauvoo Charter. On November 19, 1843 individuals from Missouri arrested Philander Avery and then on December 2, 1843 arrested his father Daniel Avery on charges of horse theft. With
3698-490: The Whistling and Whittling Brigade who used legal, nonviolent means to monitor apostates, strangers, "Gentiles," or enemies and encourage them to leave town. Members would surround and follow suspicious individuals without engaging in conversation; They whittled pieces of wood, casting shavings in the person's direction, all while whistling, gathering more members of the group. The organization lasted for less than two months and
3784-520: The area. By 1829 this area of Hancock County had grown sufficiently so that a post office was needed and in 1832 the town, by then called Venus , was one of the contenders for the new county's seat. However, the honor was awarded to a nearby city, Carthage . In 1834 the name Venus was changed to Commerce because the settlers felt the new name better suited their plans. In late 1838, Apostle Brigham Young counseled Israel Barlow and 32 other Latter-day Saints to leave Far West, Missouri , to search for
3870-456: The arresting party and Joseph Smith told his captors, “I am not going to Missouri this time. These are my boys!” On June 29, Generals Wilson and William Law, 60 of the Nauvoo cavalry, and 100 additional men escorted the party to Nauvoo, where Joseph Smith was released by the municipal court. Smith spent the next few days greeting volunteer units of the Nauvoo Legion as they returned home, blessing them for their loyalty and efforts, and recounting
3956-448: The assistance of Hancock County Illinois residents, they were taken to a Monticello, Missouri jail. The arrest was viewed as a kidnapping in Nauvoo generating a nervous atmosphere in the city of Nauvoo. Joseph Smith made a request to Governor Ford to call out the Legion, which was denied by Governor Ford in a letter dated December 12, who feared conflict with Missouri writing, "I would advise your citizens to be strictly peaceable torwards
4042-786: The citizens of the Nauvoo FPD passed a referendum by 74% on April 17, 2007, for ambulance services that would transfer the ambulance tax money to the FPD that was being paid to the county. The Nauvoo FPD completed its fundraising efforts on November 30, 2007, to purchase its ambulance, which entered service in January 2008. The Nauvoo-Colusa Community Unit School District 325 runs the local elementary and junior high school. Prior to 2008 high school residents attended Nauvoo-Colusa High School from 1961 to 2008. Since 2008 residents have attended Warsaw Community Unit School District 316 's Warsaw High School . Nauvoo
4128-526: The city are the Nauvoo Fire Protection District (FPD) and Nauvoo-Colusa School System. The Nauvoo FPD covers all of the city plus the surrounding five townships. The fire department currently provides both fire and EMS coverage for its district. In 1991 the Nauvoo FPD became a BLS non-transporting agency, relying on the county ambulance service to transport patients to local hospitals. Because of longer response times from county-run ambulances,
4214-470: The city council ordered two companies of the Nauvoo Legion to destroy a local grog shop that was declared a public nuisance. On December 15, 1841, the Nauvoo Times and Seasons reported the city watch was disbanded and reorganized as a Legion assignment. From May to October 1842, Joseph Smith in his role as mayor established a night watch consisting of 8–16 members of the Nauvoo Legion. They maintained
4300-549: The city has lost several key businesses and services including the High School and multiple small businesses. Nauvoo City government consists of the Mayor and five city council members. The position of City Clerk is also elected. Additionally, there are appointed positions for City Treasurer, Chief of Police, and Public Works positions. Tacy Nelson is the acting mayor with the councilmen as follows: Jim Boyles, Brenda Adkisson, Barb Schafer, Ron Grant and Scott Sumner. Separate from
4386-694: The city is well above flood level, Nauvoo has not historically had problems when the Mississippi river has risen. In both the floods of 1993 and 2008, very little damage was sustained within city limits. Topography maps show a unique feature of Nauvoo with main street starting at the edge of the Mississippi River on the south side of town and ending at the Mississippi River's edge on the north. Nauvoo has many places of worship, among them: United Methodist Church, St Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Cornerstone of Zion Church, Living Hope Church (Non-denominational),
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#17328489340034472-399: The city was 90.95% White , 0.32% African American , 1.16% Native American , 0.21% Asian , 0.11% Pacific Islander , 1.26% from other races , and 6.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.84% of the population. There were 313 households, out of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.41% were married couples living together, 7.67% had
4558-567: The city's higher ground are the temple, residential areas, and the business district along Mulholland Street (Illinois Route 96), much of it devoted to the needs of tourists and those interested in Latter-day Saint history. The flatlands are occupied by a small number of 19th-century brick houses and other buildings that have survived the city's vicissitudes, with large empty spaces between them where houses and whole neighborhoods have disappeared. The Community of Christ previously owned much of
4644-424: The court martial, and for operating at a city level. The Legion's presence was a significant factor in tensions between Nauvoo and its neighbors. The militia received criticism for its loyalty to Joseph Smith , founder of the Latter Day Saint movement and mayor of Nauvoo. In 1843, Legion members controversially helped Smith avoid extradition into Missouri. In 1844, Joseph Smith ordered the Nauvoo Legion to destroy
4730-488: The deaths. The death of Joseph Smith caused a succession crisis over who would lead the Church going forward. Brigham Young began to take on the roles Joseph Smith previously had, and on August 31, 1844 he was elected as the Legion's "Lieutenant General". Previously, Young had been an assistant chaplain. On September 27, Charles C. Rich was commissioned as the Major General of the Nauvoo Legion. Tensions did not ease that summer between Mormon and anti-Mormons; while
4816-522: The doctrine of plural marriage and a court martial was held that expelled Law from the Legion on April 29. At the same time on April 29, Charles C. Rich was ordered to take command of the Legion. For a while over the next months, Jonathan Dunham filled in for Rich as Major General while Rich was away in Michigan. Wilson Law and his brother William Law were key in starting the Nauvoo Expositor ,
4902-466: The four city wards), with four corresponding companies that would comprise the fourth regiment of the second brigade. On June 13, 1842, Charles C. Rich organized a fifth regiment of the second cohort. The Legion was unique among American militia organizations for its disproportionate number of high-ranking officers to regular soldiers. At one point there were 13 major-generals and an even higher number of brigadier-generals. Other ranks commissioned for
4988-407: The interior, is a copy of the original. The exterior matches the original exactly except in three ways: The temple was positioned 12.5 feet (3.8 m) south to allow for parking on the north side, there are two new exterior doors (with an entrance on the north for disabled persons and emergency exits in the basement on the east) and there is a standing Angel Moroni as is seen on most modern temples;
5074-571: The law went into effect, granting Smith and the city of Nauvoo broad powers including the authority to create a militia. This military force was a militia similar to the Illinois State Militia, and it became known as the "Nauvoo Legion". The Legion was organized into two brigades (called cohorts) of artillery/infantry and one of cavalry. A few light cannons were also attached. The names "cohort" and "legion" were uncommon designators for militia, and were chosen to emulate ancient Roman units of
5160-477: The lower flat lands (called the flats ) that are no more than a few feet above the water line. A prominent hill rises as one moves further east, at the apex of which stands the rebuilt Nauvoo Temple . Beginning with the temple, this elevated land (called the uptown ) continues flat for many miles eastward. According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Nauvoo has a total area of 4.83 square miles (12.51 km ), of which 3.39 square miles (8.78 km ) (or 70.15%)
5246-544: The mountains..." By 1844 "Nauvoo's population had swollen to 12,000, rivaling the size of Chicago " at the time. John C. Bennett , Smith's Assistant President and first commander of the Nauvoo Legion , was elected mayor of Nauvoo in 1841. He was replaced by Smith himself in 1842. After Smith's death two years later, continued violence from surrounding non-LDS members forced most Latter-day Saints to leave Nauvoo. Most of these followers, led by Brigham Young , emigrated to
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#17328489340035332-468: The non-Mormon residents of Hancock County. The Warsaw Signal published, "It will be but a small matter to raise volunteers enough here to raze the city of Nauvoo to the ground; if the governor of Illinois fears to deliver up Jo Smith, there will be something serious between the two states." In September 1843, a conference in Carthage, Illinois was organized to oppose growing Mormon political power. The conference believed that Smith had too much power over
5418-485: The order from Governor Ford and called out both the city police force and members of the Legion to prepare against a rumored mob forming to the south in Warsaw, Illinois , tasking them to prepare to rescue the two men. The situation was defused when Philander Avery escaped, and on December 25 when Daniel Avery was released due to a writ of Habeas Corpus. Tensions between Nauvoo and surrounding non-Mormon settlements peaked by
5504-463: The original was an unspecified flying angel, also with a horn in hand but in a horizontal position with the compass, square and flame above. The rebuilding of the Nauvoo Temple was an occasion of great joy and enthusiasm for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During the public open house prior to its dedication, 331,849 visitors toured the building. Following Church custom,
5590-447: The people of Missouri." On the same day, December 12, the Nauvoo City Council enacted an ordinance allowing for a municipal police force with Hosea Stout as its Chief of Police, greatly expanding an earlier "city watch" that had been created on January 30, 1843. The police force was under the authority of the city council, and could be ordered into action by the Mayor of Nauvoo, rather than the governor. On December 18th Smith ignored
5676-516: The property from Galland in 1839 and the dispersed Saints once again began to gather together, particularly along the Mississippi River at Commerce. In April 1840 Commerce was renamed Nauvoo by Joseph Smith , who led the Latter-day Saints there to escape conflict with the state government in Missouri. The name Nauvoo is derived from the traditional Hebrew language with an anglicized spelling. The word comes from Isaiah 52:7, "How beautiful upon
5762-406: The rear of the cavalry without his usual guards; Albert Rockwood , commander of the prophet's bodyguards, objected and Smith chose a different spot. Rumors spread that Bennett had attempted to assassinate Smith during the demonstration. Although not the only factor in the dissolution of their collaboration, by the end of the month Bennett resigned from office of mayor, was removed from leadership in
5848-414: The same name. By April 1841, over 600 men had enrolled in the Legion. By the end of 1841 that number had grown to around 1,500. At its peak, the militia had, by conservative estimates, at least 2,500 troops, in comparison to the approximately 8,500 troops within the entire United States Army as of 1845. On March 12, 1842 the growing city of Nauvoo was divided into four military districts (aligning with
5934-599: The southeast corner stone into place. A hollow space in the cornerstone was filled with items such as a Bible, a Book of Mormon, a hymn book and silver money that had been coined that year. The ceremonies concluded with music from the military band and choir. Local newspaper owner Thomas C. Sharp attended the ceremonies as a visiting dignitary. This event, combined with John C. Bennett's appointment by Stephen Douglas to Master in Chancery in Hancock County, led Sharp to become
6020-770: The southern end of the flatlands as well as several key historic sites in and around Nauvoo, including the Joseph Smith Homestead, the Nauvoo House , the Red Brick Store , the Mansion House , and the Smith Family Cemetery . On March 5, 2024, it was announced that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had acquired all of these properties with the exception of the Smith Family Cemetery as part of
6106-412: The stage and riverside theatrical productions. There is a large visitors' center complete with two theaters and a relief map of 1846 Nauvoo. The creation of Nauvoo as a historical tourism destination was largely a result of the work of J. LeRoy Kimball (1901–1992). Kimball was a descendant of early LDS leader Heber C. Kimball , and bought his ancestor's home in 1954 with the intention of restoring it. He
6192-430: The story of his kidnapping and triumphant return. Reaction to the failed extradition from Missouri was swift and negative. Missouri Governor Thomas Reynolds felt the Legion had overreached its authority and demanded Illinois Governor Ford to call out the state militia to arrest Joseph Smith and extradite him to Missouri. Governor Ford did not comply, which increased tension between the two states and infuriated many of
6278-485: The summer of 1844, in part because the Nauvoo Legion came to be regarded as Smith's private army. Governor Thomas Ford called the militia "a military force at their own command." Tensions were further exacerbated by defectors from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , including Wilson Law , who was the Legion's ranking Major General. Wilson Law was excommunicated from the church on April 18 over his opposition to
6364-407: The temple is now used only by Church members. The work to renovate various sites of historical significance in the area is coordinated by Nauvoo Restoration, Incorporated . NRI is a nonprofit organization supported by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Community of Christ, as well as others interested in Nauvoo's history. Due to the work of NRI and its members, Nauvoo has been dubbed
6450-520: The troops through Main Street, deploying them across the city to protect from water or land invasions. In response to Nauvoo's military activity, an opposing force of armed Illinois Militia gathered, numbering between 1600–1800 men. Governor Ford offered protection to Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith if they surrendered, but threatened to call out the state militia against Nauvoo if they did not. They agreed to submit to arrest on charges of inciting
6536-412: Was 38.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 116.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.9 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 50,938, and the median income for a family was $ 53,224. Males had a median income of $ 38,500 versus $ 12,708 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 20,386. About 23.3% of families and 30.2% of the population were below
6622-527: Was a state-authorized militia of Nauvoo, Illinois , United States from February 4, 1841 until January 29, 1845. Its main function was the defense of Nauvoo and surrounding Latter Day Saint settlements, but it was also occasionally used as local law enforcement and paraded at ceremonies such as the laying of the cornerstone for the Nauvoo Temple . The Nauvoo Legion was unique among contemporary militias for its chain of command structure, its expanded functions of
6708-483: Was arrested in the town of Dixon and preparations made to extradite him to Missouri. In response, the Nauvoo City council enacted what amounted to martial law and Nauvoo Legion troops organized and waited for instruction. On June 25, Joseph Smith sent a letter to Major General Wilson Law, asking him to bring a force to prevent his “being kidnapped into Missouri.” In all, between 100–300 men left Nauvoo to rescue Joseph Smith. On June 27, Nauvoo Legion scouts intercepted
6794-514: Was granted to Smith by the State of Illinois in exchange for the Latter Day Saint vote in upcoming elections. Brigham Young remarked, "If the war [with Mexico] broke out, he would have become commander-in-chief of the United States armies." Nauvoo forming a city militia was uncommon, as typical militias of the time were formed within the county or state. The Nauvoo Legion was a regular unit of
6880-438: Was intended to 1) disperse the wolf hunt militia, 2) attempt arrests of men connected to the killing of the Smith brothers, and 3) gather the Nauvoo Legion for military inspection. Hardin effectively dispersed the gathering militias, however their leaders escaped to Missouri and otherwise evaded arrest. Ford noted, "The Carthage Greys fled almost in a body, taking their arms with them.” On September 28, Brigham Young reviewed
6966-599: Was marked by distant cannon fire. He appeared on horseback in full military suit – a black cap with a red plume, a black coat, a red sash, and white pants, edged down the sides with red stripes. Emma Smith rode sidesaddle next to him, followed by a number of women on horseback; during the ceremonies Emma presented Joseph with a silk American flag. They were joined on stage by Major General John C. Bennett . The ceremonies included religious services, public singing, dedicatory prayers, speeches by Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, after which temple architects lowered
7052-522: Was not until September 16, 1844 that Lieutenant General Brigham Young dedicated a site near the temple “to the God of the armies of Israel” and broke ground. Prior to this point, the Nauvoo Masonic Hall had been used as a commissary and to store arms. Construction of the arsenal, in connection with construction of a gunsmith's shop and a powder magazine, continued despite the repeal of the Nauvoo Charter and
7138-474: Was organized with headquarters at Nauvoo in 1979. In addition to the many homes that had been restored, the Relief Society Memorial Garden was dedicated in 1978, featuring statues designed by Dennis Smith and Florence Hansen. In June 2002, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints completed construction of a new temple on the site of the original temple . The exterior, and much of
7224-469: Was phased out as Nauvoo regained law enforcement. Initially composed of adult men, the group attracted more and more youth until by April, boys as young as twelve took on active roles as Whittlers. This shift in demographic corresponded with increased criticism from within and without Nauvoo. After the recall of state-issued arms, the Legion rearmed themselves privately. While plans for an official arsenal had been discussed since at least June 10, 1843, it
7310-524: Was spoken widely in town and in the Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches. During this period, wine-making and fruit production thrived in Nauvoo. Notable residents from this era included the Swiss memoirist Heinrich Lienhard . During World War I , most of Nauvoo's native-German speaking residents stopped using German in public, and the use of German had entirely faded away by World War II . On
7396-426: Was the president of Nauvoo Restoration, Inc. from 1962 to 1986. A Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation was established in Nauvoo in 1956, from its inception consisting largely of elderly LDS couples serving as missionaries and historical guides. The City of Joseph pageant, an outdoor musical produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, began to run each summer in 1976. A stake
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