Day 4- Carthage

Today we got up and drove to the town of Carthage. This is where the Carthage jail is. It was about a 20 minute drive. The drive was fun because it was interesting to see all of the ice from the ice storm. Everything is just covered in ice. Front lawn become ice rinks. It was very cool!

We made it to the Carthage Jail. It was all covered in ice but the missionaries had made a trail for us to walk on!! You begin at the Visitors center. It was decorated for Christmas and was so nice.


Before heading into the jail you watch a short video. I loved the video. I had never seen it before. It was about the life of Joseph Smith. It was very touching. Especially the end. It was crazy to be at Carthage as we watched the movie of the Prophet. After the video we went inside the jail.
The first room is the kitchen area. While the prophet was in jail, there was a husband and wife living there as jail keepers. They would cook for the them. This is the kitchen area.


Then we headed upstairs. We first went into the jail cell. This is where the Prophet and others spend most of their time. It was creepy. It actually scared me a little. It was so dark. All of the metal cell parts are original. The floor was original too.





We then went into the room where the Joseph and Hyrum were killed. This room was actually the jail keepers bedroom. They were letting the men stay in it. The jail keepers were trying to make their stay a little nicer. This room has a desk and the window that the Prophet fell out of when he died. The door still has the hole where the bullet came through that killed Hyrum Smith. While you are in the room the missionaries tell you about the incidents of that day. Then you listen to a tape recording of what it could have sounded like. It was very spiritual and such a testimony building moment. I felt the spirit the strongest while we were sitting in that room. I felt the power and strength of Joseph Smith and all that he did to restore the gospel. I have always loved hearing about Hyrum Smith and being in the place where he died was so touching for me. I felt such love for all of the men that were there that day. They were so brave.





In the next picture we all look really sad but we had just heard the story and listened to the tape so I think we were just busy thinking about what a great loss took place in that room. Even my children understood what happened there and they felt that loss too.



Here are some pictures outside Carthage Jail.





After we left Carthage we stopped in the little town and ate lunch then headed back to Nauvoo to go see a few more historical sites.
We first went to the Blacksmith. The missionaries made a mini horseshoe that we were able to take home and he gave everyone a ring. It was so much fun learning about how busy the Blacksmith shop was while they were preparing to head West. I never really understood all that went into making a wagon. But it is a lot of work. I am truly amazed that they did it. They had to have the Lord's help in order to accomplish all that they did.




Sydney wanted to be as close as she could. She loved learning about the Blacksmith's job. I think she was anxious to get a ring.


Next was the Brickyard. We learned how they made bricks. And again it is quite a process. I had a greater appreciation for their homes after this stop.



We then went to few of the homes. I loved this part. I loved walking into the homes of the people I have heard so much about. I felt close to them and felt a great love for them. Each house had a special story.

Brigham Young's house had wonderful wood work. He worked so hard in making this house for his family. They had spent years in a worn down log cabin while he was serving his mission. He wanted to make this nice house for his wife and children. I loved that part of his story.





John Taylor's home was beautiful. He built this house then left for the West only months after it was completed. What a great sacrifice. After they had already headed west he noticed his son was very sad. He asked him what was wrong and his son told him that he was sad because he had to leave his wooden rocking horse. John Taylor then went back to get it for his son. He had such love for his family. What an amazing man.



My favorite home was that of Lucy Mac Smith. I can't exactly tell you why except that I was so touched to be inside her home. She was such a remarkable lady. I felt the spirit so strong. The spirit of a mother. Maybe that is why it touched me so much. She was such a great mother. I can't imagine what it must of been like for her to see all that her son had endured. I longed to be that kind of mother. A mother of such strength and faith.


We then went to a cute little bakery and got some yummy cookies!!


After that we decided to stick around for the Missionary's performance called "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo" It is a musical type play that was so good. I loved the story lines and the songs. My children were glued the entire time. It was so much fun and so spiritual at the same time. I gained a greater appreciation for the Saints in being willing to leave their beautiful city and their beautiful homes. It was such a fun night. The production took place in the Cultrual Hall! It was another fun place to see.







As we were heading back to the house we drove by the temple. It was so beautiful because it was night and it was snowing outside. What a magical place Nauvoo can be!! What a great day it was.