History of Joseph Smith’s Birthplace
Like many families in Vermont during the late seventeenth century, the Smith family struggled financially and often moved in hopes to better their prospects and livelihood. Tring to make ends meet the Smith family moved five times within six years in order to alleviate their condition of poverty. At this location in Sharon Vermont Joseph Smith Sr., and Lucy Mack Smith found themselves staying on a farm owned by Lucy’s father, Solomon Mack. It was here, Joseph Smith Jr. was born. He only lived here for about three years before his family was compelled by circumstances to once again move elsewhere.
Junius F. Wells
Almost 100 years after Joseph Smith Jr. was born, a gentleman by the name of Junius F. Wells went to visit the place of Joseph Smith Jr.’s birth. Land that was once open and cleared for farming now lay overgrown with shrubbery and trees. Despite the fact that the original Smith home was long gone, Wells discovered the home’s foundation. From the remains of cellar walls, hearthstone, and front doorstep it has been determined that the home of Joseph Smith’s birth was actually likely that of a New England home and not a log cabin (which people tend to imagine because the Smith home in Palmyra was a log cabin). After making this homage to the birthplace of the prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Wells inspired church leaders to utilize this location for the erection of a monument to the late prophet Joseph Smith.
The Obelisk Memorial at Smith’s Birthplace
Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ approved of the idea and enlisted Wells as an agent to purchase 68 acres of the original Solomon Mack farm for the church and arrange for the construction of a monument. In addition to giving his input on design, Wells selected a quarry near Barre, Vermont to utilize Granite for this undertaking. In the end, the obelisk portion of the monument was composed of stone that rose 38.5 feet symbolically referencing the 38.5 years of the Prophet’s life. It was erected in 1905 and dedicated on December 23, 1905 by President Joseph F. Smith.
Must See and Do
As you can imagine, 68 acres (the portion of the original Solomon Mack farm purchased by the church) is quite a bit of land. The property now also houses a chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ.
- When this site was first developed it was built with a memorial cottage on top of the foundation of the Smith’s home. The white cottage is gone now (Image of an old postcard above gives an idea of what it looked like back in the day) but the original foundation still remains.
- If you’re fond of history this site has a nice Visitor Center to fill you in on Joseph Smith’s background and his later role as a prophet. Additionally featured is the original hearthstone that sits at the base of the remodeled fireplace.
- By taking the trails east of the visitors center, you can see the old turnpike, a bridge, and the foundation of the Solomon Mack home. This 1.25 mile hike has great views of the monument and the Vermont countryside.
Present Day
Today the 38.5 foot monument sits a few steps from the foundation of the New England home in which Lucy Mack Smith gave birth to her son Joseph Smith Jr. This monument was raised more than100 years ago. The Church of Jesus Christ created the monument with an inscription describing Joseph Smith’s life and his role in the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Volunteers man the Visitor Center and are helpful and will show you around the place.
- The grounds and monument are usually not very busy. This is a great quite place to get inspired.
- There is a nearby area with tables making it a nice place to have a picnic.
- There is no fee.
- As mentioned earlier parking of large RV’s can be a challenge near the monument.
- The road however is a roundabout so no backing required.
- Water and restrooms are available.
Time Capsule at Smith’s Birthplace
A time capsule from 1905 is placed in the base of Joseph Smith’s Monument. Its contents include objects such as books, records, portraits, and a set of scriptures.
Redesign
A 1965 landscaping redesign changed the birthplace memorial to a brief viewing experience rather than the summer-like resort Well’s had imagined. Today the changes made in 1965 dominate the site. With fully grown trees the drive up to Smith’s birthplace is scenic and paired with outdoor speakers playing music from the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. However, if you are driving a large RV or large travel trailer it is recommended to park in the church parking lot at the beginning of the drive due to the hanging branches.
Nearby Attractions
Whittingham, Vermont. Birthplace of Brigham Young
The second prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young, was actually born in Vermont as well. In under a 1.5hr drive you can drive to Whittingham, Vermont and visit the simple quiet Brigham Young Memorial Cemetery. Brigham Young is noted as playing a significant part in United States westward movement.
To Whittingham, Vermont (Birthplace of Brigham Young)
[directions will take you to Brigham Young Memorial Cemetery]
187 Poverty Row, Whitingham, VT 05361
1. Get on I-89 S in Sharon, VT from Dairy Hill Rd and VT-14 S (6.3 mi)
2. Take I-91 S to VT-9 W/Western Ave in Brattleboro. (73.7 mi)
3. Take exit 2 from I-91 S
4. Continue on VT-9 W. Drive to Town Hill Rd in Whitingham (23.7 mi)
Camping
Pine Valley Campground in White River Junction, Vt.
Open May 3 – October 21Reserve: 802-296-6711Info: 802-296-6711Website: https://koa.com/campgrounds/quechee/
3700 Woodstock Road
White River Junction, VT 05001
Features include:
- RV Sites with a Patio
- Deluxe Cabins with full baths
- Premium Tent Sites
- Group meeting facilities
Camp activities and events
Directions
From Palmyra, New York (about 5 hrs 30 min)
1. Get on I-90 E in Manchester
2. Follow I-90 E to NY-30 N in Amsterdam. Take exit 27 from I-90 E
3. Get on I-87 N in Malta from NY-67 E
4. Follow I-87 N to NY-149 E/U.S. 9 N in Queensbury. Take exit 20 from I-87 N
5. Now follow NY-149 E to US-4 E/Poultney St in Whitehall
6. Continue to Rutland
7. Now continue on US-4 E. Take VT-100 N and VT-107 E to Lds Ln in Royalton
8. Arrive at (357 Lds Ln, South Royalton, VT 05068)
From Quechee/Pine Valley Campground, Vermont (about 20 min)
1. Get on I-89 N to VT-132 W in Sharon (1.1 mi)
2. Take exit 2 (9.5 mi)
3. Follow VT-14 N and Dairy Hill Rd to Lds Ln in Royalton (6.2mi)
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