Located in Carthage, Illinois, this brick building has been standing since the 1800's. The Prophet Joseph Smith, his brother Hyrum and two loyal friends, John Taylor and Willard Richards, were being held in the Carthage jail awaiting trail on charges of civil disturbance. Shortly after 5 o'clock on June 27, 1844 a mob rushed in, murdering Hyrum then Joseph, and seriously wounding John Taylor. Willard Richards was unharmed, as had been previously prophesied by Joseph Smith.
The building (which was also the home of the jailer) continued to be utilized as the Carthage jail for another 25 years until it was sold to a private resident until 1903 when the church purchased the property. In 1994 the building was restored to its appearance at the time of Joseph and Hyrum's death.
