Nauvoo
Mormon Capital
State: Illinois
County: Hancock County
Founded: 1839
Abandoned: 1846
Peak Population: 12,000
Nauvoo was the early headquarters of the LDS Church under Joseph Smith. At 12,000 people, it rivaled Chicago in size. After Smith's murder in 1844, most Mormons fled to Utah. Both LDS groups maintain historic sites here.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Year-round
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: Half day
Quick Facts
- Rivaled Chicago
- Joseph Smith murdered
- Mormon exodus to Utah
Location
Address: Nauvoo, IL
Coordinates: 40.55, -91.3833