Dec 23, 1805
Joseph Smith Jr. born
Born in Sharon, Vermont, to Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith.
PoliticalSharon, VermontJoseph Smith
Early church history timeline
Key events in the founding and early decades of the Latter-day Saint movement (1805–1860), from Joseph Smith's birth through the establishment of settlements in the Utah Territory. Events include source links where available.
Showing 105 of 105 events
Pre-organization (1805–1830)
1805 AD – 1830 AD — Joseph Smith's early life, First Vision, visits from Moroni, and the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon.
- Dec 23, 1805
- 18161816
Smith family moves to Palmyra
Financial hardship drives the family from Vermont to western New York.
MigrationPalmyra, New YorkJoseph Smith Sr.Lucy Mack Smith - Spring 1820Spring 1820
First Vision
Joseph Smith reports seeing God the Father and Jesus Christ in a grove near his home, told to join no existing church.
MiraculousPalmyra, New YorkJoseph Smith - Sep 21, 1823Sep 21, 1823
Moroni's first visit
Angel Moroni appears and tells Joseph about gold plates buried in a nearby hill.
MiraculousManchester, New YorkJoseph SmithMoroni - Sep 22, 1823Sep 22, 1823
Joseph visits Hill Cumorah
He sees the plates but is told he cannot take them yet; must return annually.
MiraculousManchester, New YorkJoseph Smith - Oct 1825Oct 1825
Joseph works for Josiah Stowell
He is hired to dig for a rumored Spanish silver mine in Harmony; meets Emma Hale.
PoliticalHarmony, PennsylvaniaJoseph SmithEmma Hale - Mar 20, 1826Mar 20, 1826
Joseph's 1826 trial
Tried as a 'glass looker' before a South Bainbridge court; outcome debated.
LegalSouth Bainbridge, New YorkJoseph Smith - Jan 18, 1827Jan 18, 1827
Joseph and Emma marry
They elope and marry at the home of Squire Tarbill in South Bainbridge.
PoliticalSouth Bainbridge, New YorkJoseph SmithEmma Smith - Sep 22, 1827Sep 22, 1827
Joseph obtains the gold plates
After four annual visits, he receives the plates and the Urim and Thummim from Moroni.
MiraculousManchester, New YorkJoseph Smith - Feb 1828Feb 1828
Martin Harris visits Charles Anthon
Harris takes a transcript of characters to Professor Anthon in New York City.
PoliticalNew York CityMartin HarrisCharles Anthon - Jun 1828Jun 1828
116 manuscript pages lost
Martin Harris loses the first portion of the translation; Joseph rebuked by the Lord.
SpiritualHarmony, PennsylvaniaJoseph SmithMartin Harris - Apr 7, 1829Apr 7, 1829
Oliver Cowdery arrives as scribe
Translation resumes in earnest with Cowdery writing as Joseph dictates.
TranslationHarmony, PennsylvaniaJoseph SmithOliver Cowdery - May 15, 1829May 15, 1829
Aaronic Priesthood restored
John the Baptist confers the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph and Oliver at the Susquehanna River.
SpiritualHarmony, PennsylvaniaJoseph SmithOliver Cowdery - May–Jun 1829May–Jun 1829
Melchizedek Priesthood restored
Peter, James, and John confer the higher priesthood near the Susquehanna River.
SpiritualSusquehanna RiverJoseph SmithOliver Cowdery - Jun 1829Jun 1829
Translation moves to Fayette
Work continues at the Whitmer farm; the manuscript nears completion.
TranslationFayette, New YorkJoseph SmithOliver CowderyDavid Whitmer - Jun 1829Jun 1829
Three Witnesses see the plates
Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris testify of an angel and the plates.
MiraculousFayette, New YorkOliver CowderyDavid WhitmerMartin Harris - Jun 1829Jun 1829
Eight Witnesses handle the plates
They hefted and examined the plates without angelic assistance.
MiraculousManchester, New YorkJoseph Smith - Jun 1829Jun 1829
Translation completed
The bulk of the Book of Mormon dictation is finished in roughly 65 working days.
TranslationFayette, New YorkJoseph SmithOliver Cowdery - Aug 1829Aug 1829
Copyright secured
Title page deposited for copyright in the Northern District of New York.
PublicationPalmyra, New YorkJoseph Smith - Mar 26, 1830Mar 26, 1830
Book of Mormon published
E. B. Grandin prints 5,000 copies at $3,000; Martin Harris mortgages his farm to guarantee costs.
PublicationPalmyra, New YorkJoseph SmithMartin HarrisE. B. Grandin
New York & Ohio period (1830–1838)
1830 AD – 1838 AD — Organization of the church, missionary work, gathering to Kirtland, building of the first temple, and early revelations.
- Apr 6, 1830Apr 6, 1830
Church organized
Six members formally organize the 'Church of Christ' in Fayette, New York.
OrganizationalFayette, New YorkJoseph SmithOliver Cowdery - Jun 9, 1830Jun 9, 1830
First conference of the church
About 30 members attend; sacrament administered and new members confirmed.
OrganizationalFayette, New YorkJoseph Smith - Jun 1830Jun 1830
Joseph Smith arrested twice
Charged with being a disorderly person; acquitted both times.
LegalSouth Bainbridge, New YorkJoseph Smith - Sep 1830Sep 1830
Revelation on gathering to Ohio
Parley P. Pratt and others called on a mission to the Lamanites (Native Americans).
RevelationFayette, New YorkParley P. PrattOliver Cowdery - Oct–Nov 1830Oct–Nov 1830
Mission to the Lamanites
Missionaries travel through Ohio, convert Sidney Rigdon and over 100 in Kirtland area.
SpiritualKirtland, OhioParley P. PrattOliver CowderySidney Rigdon - Feb 1, 1831Feb 1, 1831
Joseph Smith arrives in Kirtland
Church headquarters moves from New York to northeast Ohio.
MigrationKirtland, OhioJoseph SmithEmma Smith - Feb 9, 1831Feb 9, 1831
Law of Consecration revealed
D&C 42: economic order and behavioral code for the gathered Saints.
RevelationKirtland, OhioJoseph Smith - Jun 1831Jun 1831
First high priests ordained
At a conference in Kirtland; spiritual manifestations and gifts.
OrganizationalKirtland, OhioJoseph Smith - Feb 16, 1832Feb 16, 1832
Vision of the three degrees of glory
D&C 76: Joseph and Sidney see celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms.
RevelationHiram, OhioJoseph SmithSidney Rigdon - Mar 24, 1832Mar 24, 1832
Joseph Smith tarred and feathered
A mob drags him from the Johnson farm; Sidney Rigdon also beaten.
PersecutionHiram, OhioJoseph SmithSidney Rigdon - Feb 27, 1833Feb 27, 1833
Word of Wisdom revealed
D&C 89: health code given 'not by commandment' at the time.
RevelationKirtland, OhioJoseph SmithSources (1)
- Mar 18, 1833Mar 18, 1833
First Presidency organized
Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams.
OrganizationalKirtland, OhioJoseph SmithSidney Rigdon - Feb 14, 1835Feb 14, 1835
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles organized
Twelve men called and ordained at Kirtland.
OrganizationalKirtland, OhioThomas B. MarshBrigham YoungHeber C. Kimball - Feb 28, 1835Feb 28, 1835
First Quorum of the Seventy organized
Missionary quorum called at Kirtland.
OrganizationalKirtland, OhioJoseph SmithSources (1)
- Jul 1835Jul 1835
Joseph acquires Egyptian mummies and papyri
Purchase leads to the Book of Abraham translation.
TranslationKirtland, OhioJoseph Smith - Aug 17, 1835Aug 17, 1835
Doctrine and Covenants published
First compilation of revelations, replacing the 1833 Book of Commandments.
PublicationKirtland, OhioJoseph Smith - Mar 27, 1836Mar 27, 1836
Kirtland Temple dedicated
Pentecostal outpouring; angels, tongues, and prophecy reported.
SpiritualKirtland, OhioJoseph SmithSidney Rigdon - Apr 3, 1836Apr 3, 1836
Vision in Kirtland Temple
Moses, Elias, and Elijah appear and commit keys of the gathering, dispensation, and sealing.
MiraculousKirtland, OhioJoseph SmithOliver Cowdery - Jan 1837Jan 1837
Kirtland Safety Society
Joseph helps found a quasi-bank that fails within months during a national financial panic.
PoliticalKirtland, OhioJoseph SmithSidney Rigdon - Jun–Sep 1837Jun–Sep 1837
First mission to England
Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde lead a mission to Preston, England; hundreds baptized.
SpiritualPreston, EnglandHeber C. KimballOrson Hyde - 18371837
Book of Mormon second edition (1837)
Joseph revises the text for a Kirtland printing.
PublicationKirtland, OhioJoseph Smith - Jan 12, 1838Jan 12, 1838
Joseph flees Kirtland
Threats from dissenters and creditors force departure to Missouri.
PersecutionKirtland, OhioJoseph SmithSidney Rigdon
Missouri period (1831–1839)
1831 AD – 1839 AD — Zion in Jackson County, expulsion, Far West, and the Missouri Mormon War.
- Jul 20, 1831Jul 20, 1831
Independence, Missouri, dedicated as Zion
Joseph identifies the center place for the city of Zion.
RevelationIndependence, MissouriJoseph SmithSidney Rigdon - Aug 3, 1831Aug 3, 1831
Temple lot dedicated
Site for the temple in Independence is dedicated by Sidney Rigdon.
SpiritualIndependence, MissouriSidney RigdonJoseph SmithSources (1)
- Jul 20, 1833Jul 20, 1833
Saints expelled from Jackson County
Mob violence destroys the printing press and tar-and-feathers Bishop Partridge.
PersecutionIndependence, MissouriEdward PartridgeW. W. Phelps - Nov 4, 1833Nov 4, 1833
Battle of the Big Blue
Armed conflict between Mormons and mobs near the Big Blue River.
MilitaryJackson County, MissouriPhilo Dibble - Nov 1833Nov 1833
Saints expelled to Clay County
Forced across the Missouri River in winter; seek refuge in Clay County.
PersecutionClay County, MissouriEdward Partridge - May–Jun 1834May–Jun 1834
Zion's Camp march
Joseph leads ~200 men from Ohio to Missouri; disbanded after cholera outbreak.
MilitaryKirtland to MissouriJoseph SmithBrigham Young - Mar 14, 1838Mar 14, 1838
Joseph arrives in Far West
Far West, Caldwell County, becomes church headquarters.
MigrationFar West, MissouriJoseph Smith - Apr 26, 1838Apr 26, 1838
Church renamed
Revelation names it the 'Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.'
RevelationFar West, MissouriJoseph Smith - Jul 4, 1838Jul 4, 1838
Sidney Rigdon's 'Salt Sermon'
Rigdon delivers a fiery oration warning enemies; raises tensions.
PoliticalFar West, MissouriSidney Rigdon - Aug 6, 1838Aug 6, 1838
Election Day battle at Gallatin
Fight at the polls between Mormons and old settlers in Daviess County.
MilitaryGallatin, MissouriJohn Butler - Oct 25, 1838Oct 25, 1838
Battle of Crooked River
Mormon militia attacks a state militia camp; casualties on both sides.
MilitaryRay County, MissouriDavid Patten - Oct 27, 1838Oct 27, 1838
Governor Boggs' Extermination Order
Executive Order 44 declares Mormons must be 'exterminated or driven from the state.'
PersecutionJefferson City, MissouriLilburn W. Boggs - Oct 30, 1838Oct 30, 1838
Haun's Mill massacre
Missouri militia attacks a Mormon settlement; 17 killed, including children.
DestructionHaun's Mill, MissouriSources (1)
- Oct 31, 1838Oct 31, 1838
Joseph Smith surrenders at Far West
He and other leaders are arrested on charges of treason.
LegalFar West, MissouriJoseph Smith - Nov 1838–Apr 1839Nov 1838–Apr 1839
Joseph imprisoned in Liberty Jail
He writes epistles that become D&C 121–123; suffers harsh conditions.
PersecutionLiberty, MissouriJoseph Smith - Apr 16, 1839Apr 16, 1839
Joseph escapes/released from custody
Allowed to escape during a change of venue transfer.
LegalDaviess County, MissouriJoseph Smith
Nauvoo period (1839–1846)
1839 AD – 1846 AD — Building of Nauvoo, the Nauvoo Temple, plural marriage, Joseph Smith's candidacy and martyrdom.
- May 10, 1839May 10, 1839
Joseph arrives at Commerce, Illinois
The swampy land on the Mississippi is renamed Nauvoo ('the beautiful').
MigrationNauvoo, IllinoisJoseph Smith - Jul 22, 1839Jul 22, 1839
Day of healing at Nauvoo
Joseph blesses and heals numerous sick saints suffering from malaria.
MiraculousNauvoo, IllinoisJoseph Smith - Oct–Nov 1839Oct–Nov 1839
Joseph meets President Van Buren
Petitions the federal government for redress of Missouri grievances; told 'your cause is just, but I can do nothing for you.'
PoliticalWashington, D.C.Joseph SmithMartin Van Buren - Dec 16, 1840Dec 16, 1840
Nauvoo charter granted
Illinois legislature grants broad powers; city council, militia (Nauvoo Legion), and court.
PoliticalSpringfield, IllinoisJoseph Smith - 18401840
Baptism for the dead introduced
Joseph teaches proxy baptism for deceased relatives; first performed in the Mississippi River.
RevelationNauvoo, IllinoisJoseph Smith - Jan 19, 1841Jan 19, 1841
Revelation on Nauvoo Temple and baptismal font
D&C 124: commandment to build the temple and a boardinghouse.
RevelationNauvoo, IllinoisJoseph Smith - Apr 6, 1841Apr 6, 1841
Nauvoo Temple cornerstones laid
Thousands gather for the ceremony; construction begins.
SpiritualNauvoo, IllinoisJoseph Smith - Aug 1841Aug 1841
Book of Mormon third edition (1840 Nauvoo)
Printed in Nauvoo with additional revisions by Joseph Smith.
PublicationNauvoo, IllinoisJoseph Smith - Mar 1, 1842Mar 1, 1842
Book of Abraham published
Printed serially in the Times and Seasons.
PublicationNauvoo, IllinoisJoseph Smith - Mar 15, 1842Mar 15, 1842
Female Relief Society organized
Emma Smith elected president; 20 women present.
OrganizationalNauvoo, IllinoisEmma SmithJoseph SmithSources (1)
- Mar 17, 1842Mar 17, 1842
Wentworth Letter and Articles of Faith
Joseph writes a concise church history and 13 articles of belief.
PublicationNauvoo, IllinoisJoseph Smith - May 4, 1842May 4, 1842
First endowment ceremony
Temple ordinances administered in the upper room of Joseph's Red Brick Store.
SpiritualNauvoo, IllinoisJoseph SmithSources (1)
- May 6, 1842May 6, 1842
Lilburn Boggs assassination attempt
Joseph accused of conspiracy; eventually cleared.
LegalIndependence, MissouriJoseph SmithLilburn W. Boggs - Sep 1842Sep 1842
Joseph hides from Missouri agents
Living in seclusion while writs for extradition are pursued.
PersecutionNauvoo, IllinoisJoseph Smith - Jul 12, 1843Jul 12, 1843
Revelation on plural marriage recorded
D&C 132: doctrine of celestial marriage and plurality of wives dictated.
RevelationNauvoo, IllinoisJoseph SmithEmma Smith - Jan 29, 1844Jan 29, 1844
Joseph announces presidential candidacy
Runs on a platform of religious liberty, abolition, and national reform.
PoliticalNauvoo, IllinoisJoseph Smith - Mar 11, 1844Mar 11, 1844
Council of Fifty organized
A political body to prepare for a theocratic government in the millennial age.
OrganizationalNauvoo, IllinoisJoseph Smith - Apr 7, 1844Apr 7, 1844
King Follett Sermon
Joseph teaches that God was once a man and humans can become gods; his most famous discourse.
SpiritualNauvoo, IllinoisJoseph Smith - Jun 7, 1844Jun 7, 1844
Nauvoo Expositor published
William Law and dissenters publish a newspaper critical of Joseph's teachings and practices.
PoliticalNauvoo, IllinoisWilliam LawSources (1)
- Jun 10, 1844Jun 10, 1844
Nauvoo Expositor press destroyed
City council declares the Expositor a nuisance; press smashed by the Nauvoo Legion.
PoliticalNauvoo, IllinoisJoseph Smith - Jun 25, 1844Jun 25, 1844
Joseph surrenders to Carthage authorities
He and Hyrum ride to Carthage Jail to face riot charges.
LegalCarthage, IllinoisJoseph SmithHyrum Smith - Jun 27, 1844Jun 27, 1844
Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith
An armed mob storms Carthage Jail; Joseph and Hyrum are killed.
DestructionCarthage, IllinoisJoseph SmithHyrum SmithJohn TaylorWillard Richards
Succession & exodus (1844–1848)
1844 AD – 1848 AD — Succession crisis, departure from Nauvoo, trek across the plains, and arrival in the Salt Lake Valley.
- Aug 8, 1844Aug 8, 1844
Succession debate and mantle of Joseph
Brigham Young and Sidney Rigdon both claim leadership; the Twelve sustained.
PoliticalNauvoo, IllinoisBrigham YoungSidney Rigdon - Jan 1845Jan 1845
Nauvoo charter revoked
Illinois legislature revokes the charter, stripping the city of legal protections.
LegalSpringfield, IllinoisBrigham Young - Sep 1845Sep 1845
Anti-Mormon violence in Hancock County
Burnings at Morley settlement and other outlying areas; Saints prepare to leave.
PersecutionHancock County, IllinoisBrigham Young - Dec 10, 1845Dec 10, 1845
Nauvoo Temple endowments begin
Over 5,000 receive ordinances before the exodus.
SpiritualNauvoo, IllinoisBrigham YoungSources (1)
- Feb 4, 1846Feb 4, 1846
First wagons cross the Mississippi
The exodus from Nauvoo begins in bitter winter cold.
MigrationNauvoo, IllinoisBrigham Young - Mar–Jun 1846Mar–Jun 1846
Camps of Israel across Iowa
Garden Grove, Mount Pisgah, and other way stations established.
MigrationIowa TerritoryBrigham Young - Jul 16, 1846Jul 16, 1846
Mormon Battalion mustered
500 men enlist in the U.S. Army for the Mexican–American War.
MilitaryCouncil Bluffs, IowaJames AllenSources (1)
- Sep 10–17, 1846Sep 10–17, 1846
Battle of Nauvoo
Remaining Saints and new citizens defend the city; forced out at cannon-point.
MilitaryNauvoo, Illinois - 1846–1847 – 18471846–1847 – 1847
Winter Quarters established
Camp on the Missouri River; hundreds die from exposure and disease.
MigrationWinter Quarters, NebraskaBrigham Young - Apr 5, 1847Apr 5, 1847
Vanguard company departs
143 pioneers, 73 wagons leave Winter Quarters for the Rocky Mountains.
MigrationWinter Quarters, NebraskaBrigham Young - Jul 24, 1847Jul 24, 1847
Pioneers enter Salt Lake Valley
Brigham Young: 'This is the right place. Drive on.'
MigrationSalt Lake ValleyBrigham YoungSources (1)
- Aug 22, 1847Aug 22, 1847
Temple site selected
Brigham strikes his cane: 'Here we will build the temple of our God.'
SpiritualSalt Lake CityBrigham YoungSources (1)
- Dec 5, 1847Dec 5, 1847
Brigham Young sustained as president
At a special conference in Winter Quarters; First Presidency reorganized.
OrganizationalWinter Quarters, NebraskaBrigham YoungHeber C. Kimball
Early Utah territory (1847–1860)
1847 AD – 1860 AD — Colonization, State of Deseret, Utah War, and establishment of settlements across the Great Basin.
- Jun 1848Jun 1848
Cricket miracle and seagulls
Seagulls devour crickets threatening the first crops.
MiraculousSalt Lake ValleyBrigham Young - Mar 12, 1849Mar 12, 1849
Provisional State of Deseret organized
Brigham Young elected governor; a petition for statehood is sent to Congress.
PoliticalSalt Lake CityBrigham YoungSources (1)
- 18491849
Perpetual Emigrating Fund established
Loan program to help poor converts emigrate from Europe.
OrganizationalSalt Lake CityBrigham YoungSources (1)
- Sep 9, 1850Sep 9, 1850
Utah Territory created
Congress organizes Utah Territory as part of the Compromise of 1850; Brigham Young appointed governor.
PoliticalWashington, D.C.Brigham YoungMillard FillmoreSources (1)
- 18511851
Colonization missions expand
Settlements established at Provo, Ogden, Cedar City, Parowan, and Fillmore.
MigrationUtah TerritoryBrigham YoungSources (1)
- Aug 29, 1852Aug 29, 1852
Plural marriage publicly announced
Orson Pratt publicly teaches and defends the practice at a special conference.
RevelationSalt Lake CityOrson PrattBrigham Young - Feb 14, 1853Feb 14, 1853
Salt Lake Temple groundbreaking
Construction begins on the massive granite temple.
SpiritualSalt Lake CityBrigham YoungSources (1)
- 1856–1860 – 18601856–1860 – 1860
Handcart pioneers
Ten companies of handcart pioneers cross the plains; the Martin and Willie companies suffer devastating losses in early winter.
MigrationGreat PlainsSources (1)
- Jul 1857Jul 1857
Utah War begins
President Buchanan sends 2,500 troops to replace Brigham Young as governor.
MilitaryUtah TerritoryBrigham YoungJames BuchananSources (1)
- Sep 11, 1857Sep 11, 1857
Mountain Meadows Massacre
A group of local militia and Paiute allies kill ~120 emigrants at Mountain Meadows.
DestructionMountain Meadows, UtahJohn D. Lee - Sep–Nov 1857Sep–Nov 1857
Move South and Echo Canyon defense
Saints prepare to burn Salt Lake City and retreat south rather than submit to the army.
MilitarySalt Lake CityBrigham YoungDaniel H. WellsSources (1)
- Jun 26, 1858Jun 26, 1858
Army marches through empty Salt Lake City
Compromise reached; troops camp southwest of the city; Young pardoned.
PoliticalSalt Lake CityBrigham YoungAlfred CummingSources (1)