The Standard Works
Church History Photos

CARTHAGE JAIL

Here the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were martyred on 27 June 1844 (see D&C 135).

The jailhouse in the town of Carthage, Illinois.

Significant Events:
Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum rode to Carthage on 24 June 1844. They were cast into this jail on 25 June on false charges of treason. On 27 June a mob of about 100 men with blackened faces stormed the jail. Both Joseph and Hyrum were shot to death, and John Taylor was wounded several times. Incredibly, Willard Richards was not injured. John Taylor later wrote the inspired memorial now found in Doctrine and Covenants 135.