Nauvoo facts for kids

Nauvoo is a name used for several places in the United States. The most well-known of these is a historic city in Illinois, famous for its important role in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement.

Nauvoo, Illinois: A Historic City

Nauvoo, Illinois, is a small city located in Hancock County, along the Mississippi River. It has a rich and interesting past, especially for its connection to different religious and social groups.

Early History and the Latter Day Saints

The area where Nauvoo now stands was first settled by Native American tribes. Later, in the 1830s, a group of Latter Day Saints, often called Mormons, began to settle there. They were led by Joseph Smith. They bought land and started building a new city, which they named Nauvoo. The word "Nauvoo" comes from a Hebrew word meaning "beautiful" or "pleasant place."

The city grew very quickly. Thousands of Latter Day Saints moved to Nauvoo, making it one of the largest cities in Illinois at the time. They worked hard to build homes, farms, and businesses. They also started a university and a newspaper.

Building the Nauvoo Temple

One of the most important buildings constructed by the Latter Day Saints in Nauvoo was the Nauvoo Temple. This large and beautiful stone temple was a central part of their community. It was built with great effort and sacrifice by the members of the church. The temple was used for religious ceremonies and was a symbol of their faith and dedication.

The Nauvoo House

Another significant building from this period was the Nauvoo House. This large building was planned as a hotel and boarding house. Joseph Smith, the leader of the Latter Day Saints, intended it to be a place for visitors to stay.

Challenges and Departure

Despite its rapid growth and success, the Latter Day Saint community in Nauvoo faced many challenges. There were disagreements with other settlers in the area, and political tensions grew. In 1846, most of the Latter Day Saints left Nauvoo. They began a long journey westward, eventually settling in what is now Utah.

The Icarian Community

After the Latter Day Saints left, another unique group moved to Nauvoo. This was the Icarian community, led by Étienne Cabet. The Icarians were a group from France who believed in a type of utopian socialism, where everyone shared resources and worked together for the common good. They tried to create their ideal society in Nauvoo, living there from 1849 to 1856. They used some of the buildings left behind by the Latter Day Saints and continued to farm and build.

Nauvoo Today

Today, Nauvoo, Illinois, is a quiet, historic town. Many of the original buildings have been restored, and visitors can learn about its past. The Nauvoo Temple was rebuilt in the early 2000s, looking much like the original. The city is a popular destination for people interested in American history and the history of the Latter Day Saint movement.

Other Places Named Nauvoo

While Nauvoo, Illinois, is the most famous, the name "Nauvoo" is also used for a few other smaller places in the United States:

• Nauvoo, Alabama: A town located in Walker and Winston Counties.
• Nauvoo, Tioga County, Pennsylvania: An unincorporated community.
• Nauvoo, York County, Pennsylvania: Another unincorporated community.
• Nauvoo, Tennessee: An unincorporated community found in Dyer County.