Carthage Jail
In this room, as they awaited to face charges, Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, and others were attacked by a mob. They tried to hold the door shut, but a bullet fired through the door struck Hyrum, killing him. Notice the bullet hole in the door.

This is the window that Joseph Smith was jumping out of as he was shot and fell to his death.

An original stone from the Nauvoo Temple, at Carthage Jail.

When we were looking around the visitor's center at Carthage Jail, I saw someone I recognized. The missionary tag said Sister Lusk. I went over to talk to her and she looked at me and said "I know you." I said "It's Leann, do you remember me?" She said, "Of course I do." We hugged and talked about what was happening in our lives. The Lusk family lived across the street from my family in Idaho Falls. Two of their daughters, Laura and Brenda, were good friends of mine. I don't know how long we lived in that neighborhood, but I remember going to kindergarten with Laura. I think we moved after 1st grade. I was always playing at their house. Partly because I was the youngest and my siblings are alot older then me, but also because my mom was having health problems and Sister Lusk was willing to help. It's been 3 years since I saw her last, at my dad's funeral. We talked for a bit and I introduced my family to her and her husband. She was our guide at Carthage Jail and I was so happy to be able to see her. The Lusks mean alot to me and as I have gotten older and had my own children, I know it wasn't easy having an "extra" kid always around. If I remember correctly, there are 8 kids in The Lusk Home. Sister Lusk was a great help to my mom and I am thankful to her and her family.

Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum were tragically killed at Carthage Jail. These men suffered tremendously so they could live the gospel and bring it to others. I am thankful for them and the love they had for their Savior and His gospel. It is because of their faith that we have the gospel here today.

The Martyr's Monument at Carthage Jail.