Nauvoo History

Nauvoo History
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It began with the Fox and Sauk tribes, who honored their chief by naming the village "Quashquema." The Chief built about five hundred cottages for the tribes to settle there. A few years later, non-native Americans began to make the city their home as well. James White, a Captain, led them, and three years later, so many permanent structures were being built by new settlers that the town required a Post Office. By then, the village had become a town and was named "Venus." Over a decade, the city underwent another name change to " Commerce," but the Mormons then purchased it, and in 1840, the new name Nauvoo permanently stayed. It was the Hebrew word for beautiful. The beautiful town became overrun by criminals who murdered the Mormon leader, Joseph Smith. The majority of the residents fled the now volatile town. A socialist group took over the city, which then became predominantly Catholic.

Nauvoo Tourism
Established in the 1800s, Nauvoo, Illinois, a picturesque town on the banks of the Mississippi River, is one of the most historic cities in the United States. From Native Americans to Mormons, many claimed or bought the town, which still maintains its beautiful landmark structures. Back in the day, it was the most populated city in Illinois. How did Nauvoo come to be such a sought after town since then?

This vibrant city is not only rich in history but has lush vegetation and a wide array of activities for tourists of all ages. The first stop should be at the visitor's center, where visitors can collect all the details of the beautiful city on pamphlets as memorabilia.

For most people, the first stop is usually the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple. The Mormons are taught covenants and only use the building for sacred purposes.

The next stop is the Nauvoo State Park, where visitors can choose to camp, go for boat rides along the scenic lake and get engrossed in the town's history at the local gallery.

For gun enthusiasts, Jonathan Browning Gun Shop is a must-see. Discover where the first automatic gun was built by Jonathan's son John Moses. It's also where the now-famous Browning pistols were first built by what is now known as Browning Arms Corporation.

Wilford Woodruff's home still stands beautifully in Nauvoo. Even though the building was renovated, it still has all the possessions of Woodruff, who was the fourth Latter-day president, inside on display for tourists.
The Trail of Hope is the main attraction for visitors, especially those who seek to immerse themselves in the town's memories. The Parley Street stretches to the Mississippi River with message boards along the way containing quotes from former residents.

It's never a dull moment in Nauvoo whether you're passing through or plan to camp or stay at an Inn for the weekend.