What is The Tomb of Joseph?
At the time of the construction of the original Nauvoo Temple, the prophet Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commissioned the construction of a tomb for his family. Over time the location and the history surrounding the tomb were largely lost. Now, through this documentary, you can learn about this piece of history.
In 2022, a St. George, Utah man believe he may have uncovered the location of a long-lost tomb commissioned for Joseph Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in an unexpected place in Nauvoo, Illinois.
Historians say Smith commissioned the tomb before his death, but it was never used. Instead, he was buried elsewhere, though its historical significance remains.
Brian Christiansen, who led the search, believes that many people have a deep desire for discovery and adventure. His quest took him all the way to Nauvoo.
In 2020, he purchased Zionβs Mercantile, a historic gift shop in Nauvoo, and made an unexpected discovery beneath it.
He and his team began digging, expecting to find a tunnel, but instead, they uncovered a vault measuring 7 feet wide by 27 feet long beneath the sidewalk.
Historian Joseph Johnstun noted that the vault closely resembles the tomb that Smith had commissioned from Nauvoo Temple architect William Weeks. He pointed out that its dimensions align with Weeksβ original drawings.
Historical records describe the tomb as being located southeast of the temple, which matches the location of Zionβs Mercantile. The use of red bricks also corresponds with historical descriptions.
However, no official record confirms where Smithβs tomb was built. Concerned about the risk of desecration, church and family members secretly buried Joseph and Hyrum Smith in the basement of the Nauvoo House before later moving their bodies to an unmarked site near the Mississippi River.
In 1928, their remains, along with those of Emma Smith, were exhumed and reburied in marked graves at what is now the Smith Family Cemetery.
Many people are unaware of the original tombβs historical significance. Christiansen believes that most assume Smithβs current burial site was the intended tomb, but historical records suggest otherwise.
While Smith was ultimately laid to rest in the family cemetery, Christiansen continues excavation efforts to uncover the tombβs history. He considers simply telling its story to be an important achievement.
More information on Christiansenβs project: https://tombofjoseph.com/
More information on Johnstunβs research: https://ensignpeakfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MHS_FALL-2005_09-JOSEPH-SMITH-BURIAL-TOMB.pdf
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J Washburn
