In America during the mid-1800’s jails were primarily established by local governments and local law enforcement. Usually used to hold inmates awaiting trial or to serve a sentence for only a short period of time.
History
Carthage Jail in Carthage, Illinois was established as the Hancock County jail in 1839 for people convicted of minor offences including petty thievery and debtors. The jail keepers family actually lived on site which is why the building contained a kitchen, dining room, and then on the second floor a single bedroom. At the time Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, John Taylor and Willard Richards were incarcerated in the jail in late June 1844 were permitted to stay in the bedroom rather than the “criminal cell” in the corner on the first floor. On June 27, a mob with strong feelings against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Joseph Smith stormed the upper room of the prison, killed the Smiths and injured the others.
The Carthage Jail was used for that purpose (a jail) for about 25 years and was later converted into a private residence. Under the direction of President Joseph F. Smith, the Church of Jesus Christ, purchased the building and property in 1903 for $4,000. It has since been restored and renovated various times.
Present
Today the Church of Jesus Christ owns the entire city block on which the Carthage Jail is located. Tours are conducted through the building which includes decor and furniture as it might have been in the mid-1800’s . Must see highlights: The statue that was erected outside to honor and remember the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum near the front of the center. The door to the upper room has a hole in the door reportedly to have been caused by the bullet that killed Hyrum Smith. The well outside the jail.
What to expect
A free guided tour is given through the jail by a missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ almost every day of the year. Rooms are modeled to give the appearance how things might have been when the death of Joseph Smith occurred. You have full access to both floors and all rooms with a tour guide. The tour times very depending on the time of year you visit. Usually a tour leave about every 15 minutes during the busy summer months.
Tips and Logistics
- The Church maintains a visitors center here and with missionaries from the church acting as guides for the site.
- Large parking lot to accommodate busses, large RV’s and trailers.
- If you haven’t seen the Church history film shown here, by all means do so.
- Plan to spend about an hour at this site.
- The site includes drinking fountains and public restrooms .
- The second floor of the jail is not wheelchair accessible.
- Dairy Queen across the street is great especially the chili they have on the menu during the winter months.
- You may be able to see the courthouse in the town square. If so, note the tower on top, as it has some historical interest. It is located about two blocks southeast of the jail. Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas both handled court cases here.
Nearby 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 even though its located in the center of town.
Features:
-RV and tent friendly
-Electrical hook-ups; No Water hook-ups but water on site; RV dump station
-Nice bathrooms and shower houses
-Water access to the Park Lake
-Picnic Tables, Picnic Pavilion
-Hiking Trails
Directions
Nauvoo Illinois Temple (about 29 min)
- Head west on Knight St toward N Wells St
- Turn left onto N Wells St
- Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Mulholland St
- Continue onto IL-96 N/N Horton St
- Turn right onto N Co Rd 1000
- Turn left onto US-136 E
Springfield, Illinois (about 2hr 10min)
- Start on E Laurel St and S Walnut St to IL-97 N/W Jefferson St
- Take IL-125 W and US-67 N to E South St in Industry Township
- After that take N 300th Rd and E 775th St/Berlin Rd to IL-110 W/IL-336 S in Colchester Township
- Follow IL-110 W/IL-336 S to US-136 W in Carthage
Near by Attractions
Nauvoo Illinois Temple
Nauvoo State Park
Missouri River
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