Mormon Prophet Slain: Joseph Smith Dies in Carthage
A mob of approximately 200 men stormed the Carthage Jail in Carthage, Illinois, on June 27, 1844, killing Joseph Smith Jr. and his brother Hyrum. Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, had surrendered to authorities on charges of inciting a riot after ordering the destruction of a critical newspaper, the Nauvoo Expositor. His brother Hyrum was shot multiple times and died instantly. Joseph was shot in the chest and fell from a second-floor window, where he was shot again. Five men were tried for the murders and acquitted. Smith was 38 years old and had founded a new religion, built a city of 12,000 people (Nauvoo was briefly the largest city in Illinois), and established a theocratic government. His death triggered a succession crisis that split the movement; Brigham Young led the largest group west to Utah in 1847.
June 27, 1844
182 years ago
Key Figures & Places
Hyrum Smith
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Joseph Smith, Jr.
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Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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Carthage, Illinois
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Latter Day Saint movement
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murdered by a mob
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Joseph Smith
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Latter Day Saint movement
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Hyrum Smith
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Killing of Joseph Smith
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Carthage, Illinois
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Mormonentum
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Illinois
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1805
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1800
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Mormons
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