History
Located about 3 miles south of Liberty , Missouri, the Eight Witness Monument recognizes the handful of individuals who saw ‘the gold plates’ first hand and recorded their testimony in the preface of The Book of Mormon.
The surrounding land also bears significance as it once belonged to Michael Arthur who was a great friend and sympathizer to many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As these Latter-day Saints were expelled from Jackson, Missouri, Arthur opened much of his 169 acres of land for work and refuge.
The granite monument sits near the graves of Christian and Peter Whitmer, two of the Eight Witnesses, who died during the period of time that they worked on Arthur’s land. Several of the other witnesses are buried in the general nearby region including places such as Richmond, Kingston, and Excelsior Springs.
Present
The Monument sits in a quite area surrounded by woodland. This is not an oft visited historical site however since its dedication in 2011 has been nicely taken care of by the Church of Jesus Christ.
The granite that composes this monument was quarried from the same deposit that was used to construct the Three Witnesses Monument as well as the Joseph Smith Memorial over a century ago.
In addition to remembering the testimony of the ‘Eight Witnesses’ this monument also commemorates the dischargin of Zion’s Camp and the calling of early church leaders in Missouri
Tips and Logistics
Limited parking in the area. Large RV and vehicles with trailers may have a tough time finding parking. Visits to the area usually last less than 30 min.
Camping
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park (About an 40 min away)
Features include:
- Picnic table, fire ring, and grill are available at each site
- Shower and laundry facilities
- Playground
- Water/Electric Sites available
- Tents and RV’s welcome
Rates:
Unimproved – $20/night
Electric – 30 amp $25/night
Electric- 50 amp $35/night
Wallace State Park
Wallace State Park is a fantastic place that includes options for lodging, sleeping in your tent or RV.
Features and tips include:
- Picnic sites scattered throughout the campground
- Visitors can fish in the park’s six-acre lake
- Modern restrooms and hot showers
- Campground open year-round
- If you choose to see everything that the Visitor Center has to offer, plan to spend about an hour to an hour and a half here.
- Address and Contact Information:
937 West Walnut
Independence, Missouri 64050
816-836-3466
VCIndepend@ldschurch.org
Winter (October-April)
Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Open Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Summer (May-September)
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Open Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Near by Attractions
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
On the topic of many of these posts on sites in Missouri it’s of interest to note that President Harry S. Truman was actually from Independence Missouri and his wife was a member of what was then the RLDS church. The Truman Library is one of fourteen Presidential Libraries operated by the Federal government.Presidential Libraries are administered by the National Archives and Records Administration as part of the nation’s record-keeping system. The Truman Library & Museum is just a 5 minute drive around the corner from this site, and definitely worth a drop-in.
Liberty Jail
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.
Haun’s Mill
‘Haun’s Mill’ is a site that commemorates the killing of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in what is known as ‘Haun’s Mill Massacre’. While today there is little more than a field, markers are set to remind us of the event and early history of the Church.
Adam-ondi-Ahman
This valley is believed to be a place with ancient history associated with Adam. It is of significance to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today because it has been dedicated as a temple spot, and known as an important gathering spot.
Far West
For a couple years members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints went about building up a stake in Far West before being forced to leave. Following the command of the Lord, members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and some others actually came back one night to dedicate the land as a future spot for a temple site. Today it is still regarded as such and has cornerstones laid for a future temple.
Richmond Cemetery
Oliver Cowdery, one of the three witnesses and an early scribe for Joseph Smith, is buried somewhere in this small cemetery. He died in Richmond after rejoining the Church at Winter Quarters and coming back to Richmond to talk David Whitmer (his brother-in-law) into going west with him. Other members and pioneers in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are buried here including Jacob Whitmer (one of the eight witnesses). The Church erected a large monument to the three witnesses who saw the plates on which the Book of Mormon was written.
Community of Christ Temple and Auditorium
Independence is the headquarters of the Community of Christ (formally known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or “RLDS”). This group traces its beginning to 1860 when Joseph Smith III agreed to take leadership. For some time they were located in Nauvoo, Illinois and Lamoni, Iowa, before moving to Independence, Missouri. This site has options for tours, concerts, and open participation in ceremonies at both their temple and auditorium.
Directions
From Richmond Cemetery (About 34 min)
1. Take MO-10 BUS W to MO-10 W
2. Follow MP-210 W to S Liberty Pkwy in Liberty
3. Follow S Liberty Pkwy to Campbell Dr
From Adam-ondi-Ahman (About 1 h 8 min)
1. Get on I-35 S in Colfax Township from MO-13 S, MO-6 W and US-69 S
2. Follow I-35 S to S Liberty Pkwy/NE Pleasant Valley Rd in Liberty Township. Take exist 14 from I-35 S
3. Follow S Liberty Pkwy to Campbell Dr
From The Three Witnesses Monument (About 36 min)
1. Get on MO-10 W to N Thornton St and S Camden St
2. Take MO-210 W to S Liberty Pkwy in Liberty
3. Follow S Liberty Pkwy to Campbell Dr
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