Carthage Jail, Western Illinois Travel Guide

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Visit the Carthage Jail, a significant historical landmark in the Latter-day Saint movement, and reflect on its somber past.

Carthage Jail, built in 1839 in Carthage, Illinois, is best known as the site where Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob in 1844. Today, the site is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a historic site and visitors' center, offering free tours that explore the jail's history and significance.

A brief summary to Carthage Jail

310 Buchanan St, Carthage, Illinois, 62321, US
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Monday 10 am-4 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday 12 pm-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Carthage Jail.

Tours are free, but consider booking in advance, especially if you're visiting with a large group, to ensure availability.
Allow at least one hour for the tour and time to explore the visitors' center.
The site is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The town of Carthage is small, but it has a few food and gas stops if needed.

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Explore Carthage Jail on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

Carthage Jail is located at 310 Buchanan Street in a residential part of Carthage, Illinois. From the Hancock County Courthouse, head north on Madison Street, then turn right onto Buchanan Street. The jail will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. There are monuments of quotes given by the prophet Joseph Smith along the walkway from the parking lot to the visitor's center.
Driving

From Illinois Route 136, turn north onto Main Street in Carthage. Continue onto Madison Street, then turn right onto Buchanan Street. The jail will be on your left. Parking is available at the visitor's center. There is no fee for parking.

Discover more about Carthage Jail

Carthage Jail, located in Carthage, Illinois, stands as a poignant reminder of a pivotal moment in Latter-day Saint history. Built between 1839 and 1841, the red limestone structure served as the county's first jail. However, it is most remembered as the site of the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother Hyrum, on June 27, 1844.The jail itself is a simple, rectangular building with two stories and an attic. Originally, the first floor housed a debtor's room and the jailer's living quarters, while the second floor contained cells for more serious offenders. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the jail, which includes the jailer's living area, the cells, and the room where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were attacked. Bullet holes from the attack are still visible in the original door.The Carthage Jail experience begins at the visitors' center, where volunteer missionaries provide a brief orientation and show a short video. The tour delves into the events leading up to the martyrdom, the experiences of Joseph and Hyrum during their imprisonment, and the aftermath of their deaths. The site aims to create a reverent atmosphere, encouraging reflection on the lives and legacies of the Smith brothers. Outside the jail, a statue commemorates Joseph and Hyrum Smith.