The Mansion House & Smith Homestead – Nauvoo, IL

History

Smith Family Homestead

Joseph Smith and his family moved to Nauvoo in 1839 and used their home as headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints. This log home was also called ‘the homestead’ witnessed many miraculous events; it was here that Smith received several revelations including instructions on vicarious baptism for the deceased. Within a couple years, the Smith’s home was in need of expansion as visitors and new comers stayed the night, meetings took place, and continuous activity kept the residents busy. In response Joseph constructed what is now known as the Mansion house across the street. In late 1843 Joseph, Emma and their family moved into the mansion home. 

In 1858 Joseph Smith III moved back to his family’s homestead as he took on the mantle of prophet for the Community of Christ. 

The Mansion House

Shortly after Joseph Smith and his family moved in to the new Mansion House, the Smith’s added an additional wing to the east side of the home–allowing a portion of the house to be used as a hotel. In January of 1844 Joseph leased most of the Mansion House to someone else, except for three rooms which were used for his family’s residence. 

As expected, the Mansion Home was used for many purposes including the Smith’s private residence, a hotel, a location for civic and church councils, the mayor’s court, and a part-time-funeral home–as it would one day serve as the location where the bodies of Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith were viewed prior to their burial in June of 1844.