Our journey into Old Nauvoo

A few days before the graduation we travelled across the beautiful, flat state of Iowa, crossed the Mississippi into Illinois. Our destination was Nauvoo, where we had a wonderful two days. Located on the banks of the Mississippi in western Illinois, we were able to travel back in time and see what life was like in the 1840's. The early members of the church built this city from a mosquito infested bog into a thriving city in just 6 years.

We visited the blacksmith shop and learned how they constructed the covered wagons that they would travel in when they headed west. I am so thankful for automobiles!

Jim is making rope! We spent a few hours in The Family Living Center where we participated in demonstrations about making tallow candles, making linen from flax, barrel making, weaving, and baking bread in a bustle oven!

This is the Mansion House, the second home that Joseph built for his family. In the 1840's there was another wing built on the back that was rooms for newcomers to stay when they first arrived in Nauvoo. It has been torn down and just the original house remains. We toured the inside of this one.

This is the original homestead of the Smith Family. We were able to go inside this one.

This is the Red Brick Store. It has been reconstructed on its' original site because it was torn down in the mid 1800's and the bricks used for other buildings when the city was moved further up the hill. Downstairs is the General Store and upstairs is a meeting room. It was tricky getting up the steep stairway!

The Trail of Hope is one of the last places we visited. It is on Parley street and the road leads down to the Mississippi. This is the way the pioneers left their beautiful city behind and crossed the frozen river in February of 1845 when the temperature was 30 below zero that first night. As a memorial to those brave souls, there are markers all along the street with journal entries from some of the people. This one in particular was very moving to me.

It was an amazing two days! Some unthinkable things happened to these people, but the spirit that was felt there was truly one of love and hope. I am so glad we made this journey!