Adam-ondi-Ahman – Missouri

Joseph Smith selected this site for a settlement on a beautiful elevated spot resting above a fertile valley skirting the Grand river. While Joseph gazed admiringly upon the scene, the word of the Lord came to him naming the area Adam-ondi-Ahman, because “it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people” (D&C 116). Joseph Smith shared a vision he had received:

I saw Adam in the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman. He called together his children, and blessed them with a patriarchal blessing. The Lord appeared in their midst and he (Adam) blessed them all, and foretold what should befall them to the latest generation.

Ivan J. Barrett, Joseph Smith and the Restoration, (Young House, Provo, Utah, 1973), pg. 371-373

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Additionally a temple site was dedicated at this site and Joseph Smith indicated that there was an old Nephite altar located on the bluff overlooking the valley.

The Saints and Adam-ondi-Ahman

In the late 1830’s Joseph Smith and many other church members went north “for the purpose of visiting the north country, and laying off a stake of Zion; making locations, and laying claim to lands to facilitate the gathering of Saints, for the benefit of the poor, in upholding the Church of God” (Section 116). This particular plot of land was called by the locals “Spring Hill” but in a revelation given to Joseph Smith Spring Hill is named by the Lord Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet. The saints settled in Adam-ondi-Ahman in 1838 for a brief time before moving on.

 

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Prophecies

It is believed that Adam-ondi-Ahman will be the location where Adam and his righteous posterity will gather in preparation for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dan. 7:9–10, 13–14; D&C 27; 107:53–57; 116

Present

Adam-ondi-Ahman has been kept from visible development through the efforts of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saint. While there isn’t much to see or do at this location, it is a place of beauty and quiet contemplation. There are restroom facilities and benches near the viewing areas. This area is not developed as a tourist site and there are no guides and very little information on site to tell you what happened at this location. If you want more information on what this site is all about you need to do some research prior to your visit.

Nearby Camping

Watkins Mill State Park (About an hour away)

Features include:

1. Picnic table, fire ring, and grill are available at each site
2. Shower and laundry facilities
3. Playground
4. Water/Electric Sites available
5. Tents and RV’s welcome

Rates:

Unimproved – $20/night
Electric – 30 amp $25/night
Electric- 50 amp $35/night

Tips and Logistics

• There is ample parking for large RV’s at the Valley Overlook with more limited option at Spring Hill. There is a large turn around at the end of the Valley Overlook for those pulling trailers or tow vehicles.
• Picnic tables and restrooms are available near the Valley Overlook.

As you enter Adam-ondi-Ahman you’ll have the option to turn either left or right. To the left, ‘Valley Overlook, is the area in which it is prophesied the righteous posterity of Adam will meet prior to the second coming of Jesus Christ. To the right, Spring Hill and Tower Hill are the assumed sites of where an altar was created by Adam, the area in which Liman White built a homestead, and also the location of one of the temple sites.

Directions

From Huan’s Mill

1. Head east on W Broadway St toward N 6th St
2. Follow State Hwy M and MO-13 N to Kaola Rd in Grand River Township
3. Take Koala Rd to Adam-ondi-Ahman (22379 Koala Rd, Jameson, MO 64647)

From Liberty Jail

1. Get on I-35 N from N Lightburne st
2. Follow I-35 N to US-69 N in Colfax Township. Take exit 61 from I-35 N
3. Continue on US-69 N. Take MO-6 E to Koala Rd in Grand River Township

Nearby Attractions

Haun’s Mill

In the Autumn of 1838, about 75 families from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lived near Haun’s mill. While no more buildings or houses remain today, this location is often visited in memory of the events that transpired there. Haun’s Mill is infamous for the killings of 17 members in what is called ‘the Haun’s Mill Massacre.

Historic Liberty Jail Visitors Center

Many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are familiar with this jail even though Liberty, Missouri was never a major gathering place for the Church of Jesus Christ. Liberty Jail was the location that Elder Neal A. Maxwell calls the “temple prison” because of the spiritual development that took place in Joseph Smith and the revelations and understanding that was granted to him during his incarceration here.

Far West (about 35miles)

1. Continue north on CR D from Far West to US 36. there are several right angle turns, but stay with CR D.
2. Turn right (east) and follow US 36 for about five miles to the town of Hamilton (hometown of J.c> Penny). Exit at Hamilton onto SR 13.
3. Go left (north) onto SR 13 and drive through the towns of Hamilton and Gallatin. SR 13 runs into US 6 just north of Gallatin as it crosses the Grand River. It then turns left (north) again–stay with SR 13.
4. A few miles further north on SR 13 you will see signs pointing the way to Adam-ondi-Ahman. Turn left onto a dirt road, go up over an old railroad bed, and turn left again to “Valley Lookout.” There is a circular parking lot and a rest room located here.