Joseph Smith Mansion House

The Joseph Smith Mansion House is a two-story Greek Revival building made of white pine located at the corner of Main and Water Streets. The structure originally included numerous rooms that served both as living quarters and guest accommodations.

The house was built in 1843 as a private residence for Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Following his death in 1844, the building became central to significant events in the community's history.

The house served as a gathering place where community members met and participated in religious ceremonies. Visitors today can sense how central this building was to the social life of the early movement.

The building sits at a central street corner in historic Nauvoo, making it easy to locate and approach. Visitors should expect period furnishings throughout the interior and stairs to reach the upper floors.

After Joseph and his brother Hyrum died, their bodies were laid in state at the house where an artist created death masks of them. This unusual artistic record provides a rare historical document from that period.

GPS coordinates: 40.54098,-91.39137

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:27