Carthage

On the way home from Nauvoo, we included a stop at Carthage Jail in Carthage, IL - the place where the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were murdered when an armed Mob with black painted faces stormed the jail. It was not uncommon for one or both of them to be jailed on false charges in an effort to stir up opposition or cause to expel them and the church body from the area. This was one such time - even the jailer took kindly to them, allowing them the use of the master bedroom rather than the jail cell. This particular time, Joseph seemed to sense his impending demise, and the thought of his final parting with his wife and children always brings me to tears.

The Jail House - literally a house. The Jailer and his family lived in it. One room had a barred cell and was called "the dungeon" even though it was on the second floor. Another room on the ground floor was equipped with a barred door and was called the "debtor's cell." The Dungeon Room

The Master bedroom where Joseph, Hyrum, and the 5 friends with them were allowed to stay. When armed mobbers stormed the jail, this is the window Joseph fell out of after being shot.

hThis would be the courtyard where he landed after he fell.


There remains a hole in the door from the bullet that killed Hyrum as he was leaning into the door, trying to keep it shut against the rushing mob.

I realize it may seem morbid to want to visit a place with bars and bullet holes where people were killed, but for me it is interesting to see a piece of history that has been preserved - a place that can bring these stories back to life. It is also a poignant reminder of how very blessed we are today to enjoy relative peace, freedom, and faith.... and how much has been sacrificed for us to be able to enjoy them.... we must never forget what these Pioneers gave; we must never cease to cherish the Truth and the Faith that has been preserved at great cost. For me, reconnecting with these places, these people, and these stories has inspired me to want to be a little better and try a little harder every day to find joy in my station, and to appreciate what I have been given.