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49-722: The Nauvoo City Council was a short-lived municipal body for the City of Nauvoo, Illinois . The Nauvoo City Charter was passed by the Illinois Legislature on December 16, 1840. The legislature established the Nauvoo City Council, consisting of the Mayor, four Aldermen, and nine Councilors. By state law, each office held a two-year term. According to the charter, members of the City Council also sat on

98-526: A Community of Christ (Formerly known as The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), and three wards of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nauvoo is at 40°33′N 91°22′W  /  40.550°N 91.367°W  / 40.550; -91.367 (40.5446, −91.3803). Situated on a wide bend in the Mississippi River , Nauvoo has most of the historic district in

147-464: A female householder with no husband present, and 21.73% were non-families. 17.25% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.27% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.15 and the average family size was 2.88. The city's age distribution consisted of 25.4% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 10.6% from 45 to 64, and 28.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age

196-625: A larger transfer of historically significant properties and artifacts from the Community of Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also owns most of the other historic sites in Nauvoo, including the homes of Brigham Young , Heber C. Kimball , and other early members of the church, as well as other significant buildings. Most of these sites are open to the public, with demonstrations and displays, and there are self-guided driving tours as well as wagon tours. These tours are free, as are

245-553: A payment of the rent Bennett owed for the 39 weeks he lived in the Mansion House in 1840 to 1841. After December 1843, Bennett is recorded to have lectured only once more against Mormonism during Smith's life in Boston during the spring of 1844. At the 1844 Boston lecture, Bennett was not well received: he was pelted with rotten eggs and chased through Boston by the "vast assemblage", which ran over several Boston police officers in

294-492: A place for more than 12,000 homeless Saints to find refuge. While journeying in exile, Barlow would separate from the group and eventually make the acquaintance of Dr. Isaac Galland , the owner of land near Montrose, Iowa , and Commerce, Illinois. After hearing of the dire plight of the Saints, Galland offered Barlow to sell the Saints the properties on good terms, an offer that Barlow relayed to Church leaders. The Church purchased

343-589: A preface that begins: "I have been induced to prepare and publish the following work by a desire to expose the enormous iniquities which have perpetrated by one of the grosses and most infamous impostors that ever appeared upon the face of the earth, and by many of his minions, under the name and garb of Religion, and professedly by the direct will and command of Almighty God." Through his newspaper writings and book, Bennett appeared to encourage Missouri's June 1843 attempt to extradite Smith to stand trial for treason. Ironically, Smith narrowly escaped extradition by virtue of

392-525: A short-lived Halcyon Order of the Illuminati to reinforce Strang's power over his kingdom. With Bennett's enthusiastic support, polygamy was introduced into the Michigan Mormon community (this led to the dissent of anti-polygamists from Strang's faction & was a contributing factor leading to Strang's assassination). Shortly thereafter, in 1847, amid more charges of sexual misconduct, Bennett

441-654: Is a small city in Hancock County, Illinois , United States, on the Mississippi River near Fort Madison, Iowa . The population of Nauvoo was 950 at the 2020 census . Nauvoo attracts visitors for its historic importance and its religious significance to members of several groups: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ; the Community of Christ , formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (RLDS); other groups stemming from

490-453: Is also home to Baxter's Vineyards, a small family-owned winery begun in 1857 by Emile Baxter that is Illinois' oldest established winery . Tourism is the major industry in Nauvoo, with Nauvoo Restoration Inc., employing approximately 30, while an estimated 200 missionaries (unpaid) from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints also provide a boost to local businesses during the tourist season. Due to lack of sustainable industries,

539-442: Is also home to the private Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School, which provides a faith based education for students from preschool through 6th grade. Nauvoo is home to three parks one of which is a state park. Nauvoo is serviced by Memorial Medical Clinic, whose main campus is approximately 24 miles (38.6 km) east of Nauvoo. There is a Walk-In Clinic located within the city itself. John C. Bennett John Cook Bennett

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588-515: Is land and 1.44 square miles (3.73 km ) (or 29.85%) is water. Non-census data indicates that the population of Nauvoo grew from 100 in 1839 to about 4,000 in 1842, 12,000 in 1844, and stood at about 11,000 in 1845. As of the 2020 census there were 950 people, 313 households, and 245 families residing in the city. The population density was 196.81 inhabitants per square mile (75.99/km ). There were 645 housing units at an average density of 133.62 per square mile (51.59/km ). The racial makeup of

637-414: Is often credited with introducing into Mormonism the term "spiritual wifery", the term he used for both his own practice of "free love" and for the Nauvoo practice of " plural marriage ". The term was occasionally used by Mormon leaders such as Brigham Young , who spoke of the shock he received when introduced by Smith to "the spiritual wife doctrine", referring to "plural marriage". One of Bennett's legacies

686-775: The American Civil War . Beginning in 1835, Bennett was an early champion of the health benefits of the tomato; a pioneer in the use of chloroform as an anesthetic, publishing his findings in 1848; and the creator of several breeds of chicken, including Plymouth Rock fowl , which he exhibited in Boston in 1849. From 1830 to 1846, Bennett worked to establish institutions of higher learning, many of which were medical colleges. Bennett's practice of "selling diplomas" clouds that achievement, and only one educational institution survived Bennett's connection with it. Bennett left behind an extensive body of letters and published works on his various endeavors, including two books, History of

735-585: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints . He was baptized into the church in September 1840. Prior to his baptism, he had expressed his intentions to join the growing body of Latter Day Saints in Nauvoo. His wife, Mary Barker, and their children did not accompany him. Bennett was essential to the passing of the Nauvoo city charter, the provisions of which he had helped craft, in the Illinois Legislature . He even garnered praise for his lobbying efforts from

784-630: The Great Salt Lake Valley . In 1849, Icarians moved to the Nauvoo area to implement a utopian socialist commune based on the ideals of French philosopher Étienne Cabet . The colony had nearly 500 members at its peak, but Cabet's death in 1856 led some members to leave this parent colony. After the departure of the Icarians, Nauvoo became the largest German-speaking community in Illinois and remained so for fifty years. German

833-733: The Latter Day Saint movement ; and the Icarians . The city and its immediate surrounding area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Nauvoo Historic District . The area of Nauvoo was first called Quashquema , named in honor of the Native American chief who headed a Sauk and Meskwaki settlement numbering nearly 500 lodges. By 1827, white settlers had built cabins in

882-776: The Municipal Court of Nauvoo – for example, the Mayor doubled in the role of Chief Justice. In January 1845, the legislature repealed the Nauvoo Charter by a vote of 25-14 in the Senate and 75-31 in the House. Nauvoo was dis-incorporated and its assets placed into a receivership. Nauvoo, Illinois Nauvoo ( / ˈ n ɔː v uː / NAW -voo ; from the Hebrew : נָאווּ , Modern :   Navu , Tiberian :   Nâwû , 'they are beautiful')

931-590: The poverty line , including 36.9% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over. The Nauvoo Blue Cheese company began to produce cheese in the 1930s. It was discovered the cool, moist wine cellars in the area were ideal for aging cheese. The wine cellars, and the wine -making business originally started by the Icarians , saw a decline in use because of prohibition . In 2003 the Nauvoo Cheese company went out of business when Saputo food company purchased it and relocated to other facilities. Nauvoo

980-737: The " Williamsburg of the Midwest." In March 2007, Nauvoo was nominated to compete as one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints sponsors numerous activities throughout the year in Nauvoo including The Nauvoo Pageant (July/August). The 2020 pageant was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The community sponsors the Grape Festival (Labor Day weekend) and Pumpkin Walk (October). Because most of

1029-520: The area. By 1829 this area of Hancock County had grown sufficiently so that a post office was needed and in 1832 the town, by then called Venus , was one of the contenders for the new county's seat. However, the honor was awarded to a nearby city, Carthage . In 1834 the name Venus was changed to Commerce because the settlers felt the new name better suited their plans. In late 1838, Apostle Brigham Young counseled Israel Barlow and 32 other Latter-day Saints to leave Far West, Missouri , to search for

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1078-800: The citizens of the Nauvoo FPD passed a referendum by 74% on April 17, 2007, for ambulance services that would transfer the ambulance tax money to the FPD that was being paid to the county. The Nauvoo FPD completed its fundraising efforts on November 30, 2007, to purchase its ambulance, which entered service in January 2008. The Nauvoo-Colusa Community Unit School District 325 runs the local elementary and junior high school. Prior to 2008 high school residents attended Nauvoo-Colusa High School from 1961 to 2008. Since 2008 residents have attended Warsaw Community Unit School District 316 's Warsaw High School . Nauvoo

1127-539: The city are the Nauvoo Fire Protection District (FPD) and Nauvoo-Colusa School System. The Nauvoo FPD covers all of the city plus the surrounding five townships. The fire department currently provides both fire and EMS coverage for its district. In 1991 the Nauvoo FPD became a BLS non-transporting agency, relying on the county ambulance service to transport patients to local hospitals. Because of longer response times from county-run ambulances,

1176-555: The city has lost several key businesses and services including the High School and multiple small businesses. Nauvoo City government consists of the Mayor and five city council members. The position of City Clerk is also elected. Additionally, there are appointed positions for City Treasurer, Chief of Police, and Public Works positions. Tacy Nelson is the acting mayor with the councilmen as follows: Jim Boyles, Brenda Adkisson, Barb Schafer, Ron Grant and Scott Sumner. Separate from

1225-708: The city is well above flood level, Nauvoo has not historically had problems when the Mississippi river has risen. In both the floods of 1993 and 2008, very little damage was sustained within city limits. Topography maps show a unique feature of Nauvoo with main street starting at the edge of the Mississippi River on the south side of town and ending at the Mississippi River's edge on the north. Nauvoo has many places of worship, among them: United Methodist Church, St Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Cornerstone of Zion Church, Living Hope Church (Non-denominational),

1274-399: The city was 90.95% White , 0.32% African American , 1.16% Native American , 0.21% Asian , 0.11% Pacific Islander , 1.26% from other races , and 6.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.84% of the population. There were 313 households, out of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.41% were married couples living together, 7.67% had

1323-575: The city's higher ground are the temple, residential areas, and the business district along Mulholland Street (Illinois Route 96), much of it devoted to the needs of tourists and those interested in Latter-day Saint history. The flatlands are occupied by a small number of 19th-century brick houses and other buildings that have survived the city's vicissitudes, with large empty spaces between them where houses and whole neighborhoods have disappeared. The Community of Christ previously owned much of

1372-524: The free love/spiritual wife doctrine he previously accused Smith of practicing, in which sexual relations were not in the context of committed marriage. It is unclear whether Bennett learned of eternal marriage from Hinkle or from correspondents inside Nauvoo. Bennett briefly returned to Nauvoo in December 1843, but the sole record of that visit is a notation in Smith's daybook from his general store showing

1421-407: The interior, is a copy of the original. The exterior matches the original exactly except in three ways: The temple was positioned 12.5 feet (3.8 m) south to allow for parking on the north side, there are two new exterior doors (with an entrance on the north for disabled persons and emergency exits in the basement on the east) and there is a standing Angel Moroni as is seen on most modern temples;

1470-477: The lower flat lands (called the flats ) that are no more than a few feet above the water line. A prominent hill rises as one moves further east, at the apex of which stands the rebuilt Nauvoo Temple . Beginning with the temple, this elevated land (called the uptown ) continues flat for many miles eastward. According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Nauvoo has a total area of 4.83 square miles (12.51 km ), of which 3.39 square miles (8.78 km ) (or 70.15%)

1519-533: The mayor of Nauvoo, General of the Nauvoo Legion , and the chancellor of University of Nauvoo . Bennett left the church for adultery on May 11, 1842. Rumors of adultery, homosexuality , and unauthorized polygamy emerged. Contemporary sources indicate that Bennett used his trusted position as a doctor to allay fears of women he attempted to seduce by telling them that he could cause abortions by administering medicine if they became pregnant. While Bennett

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1568-489: The mountains..." By 1844 "Nauvoo's population had swollen to 12,000, rivaling the size of Chicago " at the time. John C. Bennett , Smith's Assistant President and first commander of the Nauvoo Legion , was elected mayor of Nauvoo in 1841. He was replaced by Smith himself in 1842. After Smith's death two years later, continued violence from surrounding non-LDS members forced most Latter-day Saints to leave Nauvoo. Most of these followers, led by Brigham Young , emigrated to

1617-470: The original was an unspecified flying angel, also with a horn in hand but in a horizontal position with the compass, square and flame above. The rebuilding of the Nauvoo Temple was an occasion of great joy and enthusiasm for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During the public open house prior to its dedication, 331,849 visitors toured the building. Following Church custom,

1666-613: The powerful Nauvoo charter for which Bennett had been a principal author. In the fall of 1843, Bennett visited George M. Hinkle , a Mormon who was excommunicated after surrendering Smith to the Missouri Militia in 1838. Bennett's subsequent letter to the editor of the Hawk-Eye and Iowa Patriot describing the Mormon "Doctrine of Marrying for Eternity" is the first of his writings that discusses eternal marriage , as compared to

1715-537: The process. After Smith was killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois , on June 27, 1844, Bennett surprised many by returning briefly to Mormonism and joining forces first with Sidney Rigdon and then with James Strang , two of several Mormons contending for leadership of the movement. Bennett united with the " Strangites ", who founded their own Mormon community on Beaver Island in Michigan. While there, he founded

1764-589: The property from Galland in 1839 and the dispersed Saints once again began to gather together, particularly along the Mississippi River at Commerce. In April 1840 Commerce was renamed Nauvoo by Joseph Smith , who led the Latter-day Saints there to escape conflict with the state government in Missouri. The name Nauvoo is derived from the traditional Hebrew language with an anglicized spelling. The word comes from Isaiah 52:7, "How beautiful upon

1813-818: The southern end of the flatlands as well as several key historic sites in and around Nauvoo, including the Joseph Smith Homestead, the Nauvoo House , the Red Brick Store , the Mansion House , and the Smith Family Cemetery . On March 5, 2024, it was announced that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had acquired all of these properties with the exception of the Smith Family Cemetery as part of

1862-412: The stage and riverside theatrical productions. There is a large visitors' center complete with two theaters and a relief map of 1846 Nauvoo. The creation of Nauvoo as a historical tourism destination was largely a result of the work of J. LeRoy Kimball (1901–1992). Kimball was a descendant of early LDS leader Heber C. Kimball , and bought his ancestor's home in 1954 with the intention of restoring it. He

1911-526: The target of an attempted assassination by Nauvoo Danites , who were disguised as women. In July 1842, he wrote a series of letters to The Sangamo Journal , accusing Smith of conspiring to assassinate former Missouri Governor Boggs . In late 1842, Bennett published History of the Saints: Or, An Exposé of Joe Smith and Mormonism , accusing Smith and his church of crimes including treason , conspiracy to commit murder, prostitution, and adultery, with

1960-407: The temple is now used only by Church members. The work to renovate various sites of historical significance in the area is coordinated by Nauvoo Restoration, Incorporated . NRI is a nonprofit organization supported by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Community of Christ, as well as others interested in Nauvoo's history. Due to the work of NRI and its members, Nauvoo has been dubbed

2009-617: The young Abraham Lincoln . His efforts on behalf of the Mormons and the long time he spent living in the Mansion House in Nauvoo secured Bennett the confidence of Smith. Smith was instrumental in promoting Bennett to greater civic and ecclesiastical responsibilities in Nauvoo. Bennett became a Counselor in the First Presidency , according ( Times and Seasons , Vol. II., No.12, page 387) on 7 Nov. 1841, as "Assistant President, until President Rigdon's health should be restored," and

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2058-412: Was 38.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 116.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.9 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 50,938, and the median income for a family was $ 53,224. Males had a median income of $ 38,500 versus $ 12,708 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 20,386. About 23.3% of families and 30.2% of the population were below

2107-567: Was born on August 4, 1804, in Fairhaven, Massachusetts . He married Mary A. Barker. He worked as a physician in Ohio and helped found Willoughby Medical College. Bennett's involvement in the Latter Day Saint movement came after several encounters with the community that had left him impressed. He wrote several letters to Joseph Smith in Nauvoo, Illinois , in which he declared his desire to join

2156-533: Was excommunicated from the Strangite community. Bennett did not associate with any Latter Day Saint group for the remainder of his life. Bennett has been accused of having a part in Smith's murder, but, as his biographer Andrew F. Smith (no relation to Joseph Smith) states, based on the extant evidence, "Bennett appears to have had no influence on the events that unfolded in Carthage during June 1844." Bennett

2205-472: Was mayor, he was caught in private sexual relations with women in the city. He told the women that the practice, which he termed " spiritual wifery ", was sanctioned by God and Smith and that Smith did the same. When discovered, he privately confessed his crimes, produced an affidavit that Smith had no part in his adultery, and was disciplined accordingly. After Bennett left Nauvoo in May 1842, he claimed he had been

2254-486: Was organized with headquarters at Nauvoo in 1979. In addition to the many homes that had been restored, the Relief Society Memorial Garden was dedicated in 1978, featuring statues designed by Dennis Smith and Florence Hansen. In June 2002, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints completed construction of a new temple on the site of the original temple . The exterior, and much of

2303-533: Was spoken widely in town and in the Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches. During this period, wine-making and fruit production thrived in Nauvoo. Notable residents from this era included the Swiss memoirist Heinrich Lienhard . During World War I , most of Nauvoo's native-German speaking residents stopped using German in public, and the use of German had entirely faded away by World War II . On

2352-457: Was the conflation of "plural marriage" with "free love" in the popular imagination. The term "spiritual wifery", with its mixed connotations of polygyny and promiscuity, was frequently used in the national dialogue and in activism against Mormon polygamy. Bennett's troubled relationship with the Mormons has overshadowed his other notable activities, including commanding a company for the Union in

2401-426: Was the president of Nauvoo Restoration, Inc. from 1962 to 1986. A Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation was established in Nauvoo in 1956, from its inception consisting largely of elderly LDS couples serving as missionaries and historical guides. The City of Joseph pageant, an outdoor musical produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, began to run each summer in 1976. A stake

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