Nauvoo Printing Office History
In the 19th century the Nauvoo Printing Office produced two papers, one for the community and the other for the official paper of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints called the “Times and Seasons”. Prior to settling in Nauvoo, Illinois Members of the Church of Jesus Christ had a press and paper in Far West, Missouri which they had to leave as they fled the state in 1838. By the spring of 1839 people including Elias Smith, Joseph Smith’s cousin, and Hiram Clark were able to go back to retrieve the print type and press for church in Nauvoo. The Nauvoo printing press would then be used to produce significant documents for the church such as the Wentworth Letter, King Follett Discourse, Book of Abraham, the personal history of Joseph Smith, and the announcement of the assassination of the prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum.
Times and Season’s Name Sake
After a handful of fractions split off from the church following the death of the prophet Joseph Smith, several groups attempted to claim that their printing press was a legitimate continuation of the Times and Seasons. The True and Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Last Days, published a periodical using the title: The Manti Times and Seasons, and another namesake, The New Times and Seasons was published by the Church of Jesus Christ Restored.
Present Day Printing Office
The Nauvoo Printing Office is now a fun historic stop. Volunteer missionaries give tours and teach visitors about what it took to make a newspaper back in the day. Some interaction is used, and is very informative.
Directions
From Illinois State Park to The Printing Press
- Head north on N Wells St toward Munson St
- North Wells St turns left and becomes Munson St
- Turn left onto N Co Rd/N Durphy St
- Make a right onto Kimball St
- Turn right at the 3rd cross street onto Main Street
The destination will be on the left.