CARTHAGE JAIL
People who wanted to drive the Latter-day Saints from Nauvoo plotted to kill Joseph Smith. They imprisoned him and his brother Hyrum at the county jail in Carthage. On June 27, 1844, a mob attacked and murdered the Smith brothers.
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Comments in 2009 from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on Joseph’s and Hyrum’s willingness to give their lives rather than deny the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.
The view of the backside of Carthage Jail as seen from just outside the adjacent Visitors’ Center.
Summer Kitchen
Many homes in the 19th century featured a summer kitchen outside the main home to allow families to cook without overheating the interior of their homes.
Dining Room
This is one of three rooms inside the jail used as a personal residence for the jailer’s family.
Kitchen
The windows in the kitchen reveal the thickness of the jail’s walls. Listen to learn more about the jail.
Debtor Cell
Joseph and Hyrum spent the night of June 25th in this cell with eight of their companions.
Criminal Cell
This cell on the second floor was also referred to as the “dungeon cell.”
Stigall's bedroom
For the prisoner's safety and comfort the jailer, Mr. Stigall, moved them upstairs to his personal bedroom but mobs broke into the jail on the afternoon of June 27 1844. Listen to a narration of those events.
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