Mormonism and Illinois Illinois History

Origins of Mormonism Joseph Smith (b. 1805) Western New York Prophet Western New York Experiences visions Told of Golden Tablets Translates tablets into The Book of Mormon Joseph Smith (1805-1844)

What is Mormonism? Belief in Bible in addition to Book of Mormon Jesus’ dealings in the New World Practice polygamy Oppose Slavery All excess money goes to Church Abstaining from: Alcohol, Tobacco, Caffeine Use

Tribulations Searching for an area to fully establish their new religion Kirtland, Ohio Jackson County, Missouri Violence On to Illinois, 1839.

Illinois Purchase a small town Rename it Nauvoo “The City Beautiful” Granted powerful charter Nauvoo Legion 2nd Largest Army in US 12,000 pop. by 1845

Hostility in Nauvoo Non-Mormons in the area begin fearing Joseph Smith and his Church Political Power Large Army Cultural differences Saints begin questioning Smith as well. Too power hungry

“were a set of unprincipled men, lawless, debouchees, counterfeiters, Bogus Makers, gamblers, peace disturbers, and that the grand object of said proprietors was to destroy our constitutional rights and chartered privileges; to overthrow all good and wholesome regulations in society; to strengthen themselves against the municipality; to fortify themselves against the church of which I am a member, and destroy all our religious rights and privileges, by libels, slanders, falsehoods, perjury & sticking at no corruption to accomplish their hellish purposes. and that said paper of itself was libelous of the deepest dye, and very injurious as a vehicle of defamation,—tending to corrupt the morals, and disturb the peace, tranquility and happiness of the whole community, and especially that of Nauvoo” -Joseph Smith (on the Nauvoo Expositor)

1844. Smith orders destruction of Nauvoo Expositor press. Joseph Smith and his brother are jailed for the destruction of property While in jail, both are killed by a mob Brigham Young takes his followers to the Salt Lake Basin