Nauvoo Temple History
The Nauvoo Temple was the second temple built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its cornerstones, laid on April 6, 1841, would await the temple’s completion for many years. In fact, from accounts it would seem that the first construction of this temple was never totally completed. Although In September of 1845 leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ decided that they should abandon Nauvoo to move further out of the reach of persecution. While the attic was dedicated as a portion of the temple for ordinances to be performed prior to their departure, work was still needed in various parts of the temple. As the saints once again found themselves driven to another far off place, unsuccessful attempts to sell the temple (under direction of Brigham Young and the twelve apostles) took place in October of 1845.
Post-Exodus Nauvoo Temple
A few years later arson burned the entire innards of the temple. The Nauvoo Temple remained a ruined skeleton until the Icarians, a French communal group bought the remains and hoped to use the superstructure for a school. Their project was abruptly ended when a tornado in 1849 ruined it even further. From then on, locals used bits of stone left over for their own personal construction and menial use.
In 1937 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began purchasing chunks of the original temple lot and in 1999, President Gordon B. Hinckley, their prophet at the time, made the exciting announcement that the church would reconstruct this historical temple in a like design, and in the same location.
The original building was 128 feet long, 88 feet wide, and 60 feet from ground level to roof. The tower was another 98 1/2 feet above the eaves. It was constructed primarily of gray limestone from several quarries in the region. Among the unique features of the building were the sun, moon, and star stones decorating the 30 pilasters and the frieze.
Present Day Nauvoo Temple
Must See
Because this temple is in active use you can only go inside if you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or have a current temple recommend. But as you can see from the picture, many people love to go on the grounds, picnic, and take pictures. It is definitely a building to go see.
For more interaction and intake on history, consider visiting the Visitor’s Center.
Camping
Nauvoo State Park Campground
As I’m sure you can imagine (given the image above) the Nauvoo State Park Campground is fully covered in shade. Many people are attracted to the fact that this park seems to be off the beaten path and holds natural charm.
Features:
-RV and tent friendly
-RV hook-ups and disposal sites
-Nice bathrooms and shower houses
-Water access to the Park Lake
-Picnic Tables, Picnic Pavilion
-Hiking Trails
Directions
From Nauvoo State Park to Nauvoo Temple (about 2 min)
- Head north on N Wells St toward Munson St
- N Wells St turns left and becomes Munson St
- Turn right onto N Co Rd 0/N Durphy St
- N Co Rd 0/N Durphy St turns right and becomes Mulholland St
- Turn left onto N Wells St
- Turn right onto Knight St
From Carthage Jail Visitor’s center (about 30 min)
- Head west on US-136 W/Buchanan St toward N Fayette St
- Turn right onto N Co Rd 1000
- About 10 miles later turn left onto IL-96 S
- Turn right onto Bluff St
- Soon after turn left at the 1st cross street onto Knight St