The Homestead

Following the significant upheaval in their lives in Ohio and Missouri, the Smith Family Homestead was a safe haven for the Smith family. Here the Prophet Joseph Smith received revelations and taught new doctrine to his family and to members of the Church. In their new home, Joseph spent time with his wife and children building a comfortable life while his work a prophetic leader continued.

Joseph and Emma Smith and their four children moved into their first residence in Nauvoo on May 10, 1839. The two-room log cabin and surrounding property were previously owned by the family of Captain James White, one of the first settlers in the area. Joseph Smith Sr. lived in a small log room added onto the Homestead before moving to a new home across the street. In 1840 the Smith family expanded the house, adding a large room to the north. The home was expanded with another two-story addition sometime later. In the cellar, tucked away in a secret space under the stairs was a compartment where Joseph spent some time hiding from his enemies in the Fall of 1842.

Soon after the Smiths moved into this home in 1839, the community of Saints in the area faced illness and disease spread through mosquitoes. Because their home was one of the few permanent structures in town, Joseph and Emma brought many of the sick here. They moved their family outside into a tent and converted their home into a hospital. That summer, after recovering from his own illness, the Prophet Joseph used the power of the priesthood to heal the Saints who were sick. Later remembered as “a day of God’s power,” this miraculous healing began at the Smith Family Homestead.

Read more about the day of healing in Nauvoo in Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 34.

The Smith Family Homestead was owned and operated by Community of Christ as part of the Joseph Smith Historic Site. It transferred to Historic Nauvoo in 2024. We are grateful for the care of past stewards and for continuing collaboration with Community of Christ and other partners.

What to Expect

The Homestead is only visited as part of a larger tour that includes the Mansion House and outside views of the Nauvoo House. Visitors will enter from the south side of the building. The entire experience lasts about 15 minutes.