Joseph Smith(1805 — 1844)
Joseph Smith
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Joseph Smith was an American religious leader and founder of the Latter Day Saint movement (Mormonism) in 1830. He published the Book of Mormon, which he presented as a translation of golden plates revealed by an angel, and organized a new church before being assassinated in 1844.
Frequently asked questions
Key Facts
- Born December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, USA
- Published the Book of Mormon in 1830
- Founded the Church of Christ (later the Mormon movement) on April 6, 1830
- Established the community of Nauvoo, Illinois, in the 1840s
- Assassinated June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois
Works & Achievements
Foundational work of the Mormon movement, presented as a translation of golden plates. A fundamental religious text containing doctrines, prophecies, and an account of pre-Columbian civilizations according to Mormon belief.
Collection of revelations and commandments that Joseph Smith claimed to have received directly from God. Canonical text outlining the distinctive doctrines of Mormonism and guiding religious organization.
Compilation of texts including the Book of Moses, the Book of Abraham, and the Articles of Faith. Contains additional teachings and important doctrinal corrections for the Mormon movement.
Complex religious structure developed by Joseph Smith, including apostles, seventy, high council, and secret temple orders. An organizational system that consolidated prophetic and administrative power.
Major architectural monument commissioned by Joseph Smith before his death. A building representing the religious ambition and organizational capacity of the Mormon movement, becoming a symbol of its power.
Introduction of temple ordinances (sealing, spiritual adoption) and esoteric teachings reserved for initiates. A mystical system reinforcing group cohesion and prophetic control.
Anecdotes
In 1820, in a sacred grove near Palmyra, New York, Joseph Smith reportedly had a vision in which God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him, telling him not to join any existing church. This "First Vision" became the foundation of the Mormon movement and marked the beginning of his prophetic mission, according to his followers.
In 1823, the angel Moroni reportedly revealed to him the existence of golden plates buried on the Hill Cumorah, containing an ancient religious record. After four years of waiting, Smith claimed to have received the plates in 1827 and began translating them, which would become the Book of Mormon.
Joseph Smith founded his church in 1830 in New York with only six members. The Book of Mormon, presented as his translation of the golden plates, quickly attracted converts and became the basis of the new religious movement that spread rapidly westward.
In Nauvoo, Illinois, Joseph Smith established a thriving religious community of several thousand followers between 1839 and 1844, where he built the most ambitious temple in North America at the time and organized a complex hierarchical religious structure.
On June 27, 1844, Joseph Smith was killed by an angry mob in Carthage, Illinois, while imprisoned. His death as a martyr solidified his legend and ensured the survival of the movement, which would continue westward under the leadership of Brigham Young.
Primary Sources
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, saw the heavens open, and I saw the inhabitants thereof clothed in robes of great purity, and I also saw that their hair was white as snow.
For behold, the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not.
I am in prison for defending the rights of my religion and the liberties of my people. Every apostle has suffered; I accept my cross.
And I beheld the heavens, and the earth continued to turn, and men did not see that I was working for them.
Key Places
Birthplace of Joseph Smith and site of his early visions (1820). The sacred grove where he reports receiving the First Vision and the Hill Cumorah where the golden plates were said to be buried are sacred sites for Mormons.
Place where Joseph Smith settled with his wife Emma in 1829 to secretly translate the golden plates. This small rural community became the birthplace of the translation of the Book of Mormon.
First religious center established by the Church in 1833. Joseph Smith built the first Mormon temple here and established the foundation of the movement's religious and economic organization.
Attempt to establish the "New World Jerusalem" in 1838. Site of violent conflicts with local residents and authorities, marking the growing hostility toward Mormons.
City founded by Joseph Smith in 1839, quickly becoming a religious community of several thousand followers. Center of Mormon power with its temple, religious school, and autonomous political and military organization.
Place where Joseph Smith was imprisoned and assassinated on June 27, 1844. This event martyred the prophet and consolidated the identity of the Mormon movement.
