Nauvoo
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Attractions
The Homestead
is the first home in Nauvoo where Joseph Smith and his family lived. It
was the only structure on the original 135 acres purchased by the Mormons
in 1839. The log home was built in 1803. Today it is furnished with original
and antique furnishings. During summer months, visitors can experience 19th
century life with daily demonstrations.
The
Mansion House was built in 1843 for Joseph Smith and his family. Although
Smith died in 1844, his family remained in the house until 1869. A hotel
wing was added to the mansion and completed in 1844. The Reorganized Latter-day
Saints own the mansion and tours are available. Call (217) 453-2245 for
more information.
The Red Brick Store was Nauvoo's
first general store. It was built in 1841 and was owned by Joseph Smith.
In 1890, the store was torn down and later reconstructed in 1980. Visitors
can view goods on display that are replicas of those sold in the 1840's.
The
Icarian Living History Museum is located on 2205 Parsley Street in a
restored home that was originally built in 1846. The museum promotes preservation
of French American history especially the Nauvoo Icarians. The Icarians
arrived in Nauvoo in 1849 under the leadership of Etienne Cabet. The group
attempted to build a utopian society of communal living in Nauvoo. The Icarians
left Nauvoo by 1860 and the majority moved to Corning, Iowa. Their story
is preserved and displayed at the museum. Call (217)453-2281 for additional
information.
Nauvoo's history includes one of America's famous gun makers. A trip to
the Jonathan Browning House will reveal his reconstructed home and
workshop. Browning invented several kinds of repeating firearms. Authentic
rifles, handguns and shotguns from the early 1800's are on display and demonstrations
are a daily occurrence. For more information call (217) 453-6444.
Located on 149 Water Street, the Joseph
Smith Historic Center is a great starting point for a visit to historic
Nauvoo. The center is managed by the Reorganized Latter Day Saints and offers
a film on the history of the church, a presentation on Nauvoo's history
and information about Nauvoo. Guided walking tours of Nauvoo are also available.
Call (217) 453-2246 for specific details.
The Nauvoo State Park Museum is located
in a restored 1840's 
Mormon house at the Nauvoo State
Park. Nauvoo's first vineyard was planted here. The museum includes the
building's original wine cellar and press room. Each period in Nauvoo's
history (Native American, Mormon, Icarian and Pioneer) is represented with
a room full of artifacts and displays. Call (217) 453-6355 for additional
information.
For a glimpse into Nauvoo's Mormon history, visitors should check out Old
Nauvoo, the flat river bottom land where the Mormons first settled
in 1839. There are 25 historic homes, businesses, and demonstration sites
that have been restored. The Scovil Bakery uses an oven from the 1840's
to bake gingerbread cookies while the Rizer Boot & Shoemaking Shop displays
original shoemaking equipment. There are several opportunities to see artisans
demonstrating their 19th century crafts and skills. Contact the Nauvoo Visitors
Center at (217) 453-2237 for more specific information.
In April 1841 the
Mormons began construction on the Nauvoo
Temple. It was built with local white limestone and Wisconsin timbers.
The temple would serve as a focal point of worship, a sacred house of the
Lord.
It was located on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River and measured 165 feet tall with four stories. It was said to have cost more than one million dollars to build. Unfortunately the temple was never completely finished due to the death of Joseph Smith.
The temple was abandoned in 1846 when the majority of Nauvoo's Mormon
population left for Utah. In October 1848 a fire destroyed the mighty
temple and in May 1850, a tornado demolished what remained of the charred
temple. Construction was recently finished on a 25 million-dollar replica.
The new temple will serve as a reminder to millions of Mormons of the
sacrifices and hardships the early Mormon pioneers endured.
Hotel
Nauvoo was originally a residence built in 1840 by a Mormon family.
Today, the hotel offers guests a glimpse into Nauvoo's past. It was restored
in 1948 and features nine guest rooms as well as several dining rooms
that are filled with period pieces from each of Nauvoo's time periods.
For additional information call (217) 453-2211.
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