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Joseph Smith is Born
Joseph Smith was born 23 December 1805 in Sharon, Vermont, in the northeastern United States. -
The Beginning of Mormonism
In a wooded grove near the family farm, 14 year old Joseph knelt to pray. There in that secluded place, in the most dramatic revelation since biblical times, God and his Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the boy and gave him instructions. He was commanded to join none of the existing churches and was told that God would restore to earth the Church originally organized by Jesus Christ, with all of its truths and priesthood authority. -
Appearance of Moroni
Smith claimed that an angel named Moroni appeared to him. Moroni revealed that Smith had been selected to translate the Book of Mormon, a sacred text that was written around the 4th century and named after Moroni’s father, Mormon. According to Moroni, this spiritual book contained information about the ancient people who inhabited the Americas. He revealed that the book was inscribed on golden plates near Palmyra, New York, which was close to where Smith lived at the time. -
Golden plates revealed to Joseph
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Joseph retrieves the Gold Plates
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The Organization of the LSD Church
Ten years later, after a series of revelations and dramatic visitations to Joseph and others, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was officially organized on 6 April 1830, in Fayette, New York. -
Establishment of Nauvoo
In 1839 the Latter-day Saints established the community of Nauvoo (Illinois) on a tract of inhospitable swampland bordering the Mississippi River. Under the leadership of Joseph Smith, they drained the swamps and began erecting a community of beautiful homes, prosperous farms and businesses. They also built a temple. -
Joseph and His Brothers are Jailed on Charges of Treason
Smith was criticized and persecuted by many for teaching his new ideas. In February 1844, Smith and his brother were jailed on charges of treason. -
Anti-Mormon Mob Kills Joseph and his Brother
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Brigham Young becomes Joseph's Successor
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Brigham Searches for Religious freedom from Illinois, Finds it in Utah's Salt Lake Valley
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Mountain Meadows Massacre
In September of 1857, a Mormon militia murdered about 120 people who were part of a wagon train from Arkansas. This event became known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre. -
Death of Brigham Young
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Utah Became a State
