Joseph and Hyrum Smith killed by mob
June 27th, 1844
June 27th, 1844

How Long Ago?
180 years, 8 months, 16 days ago
Location
Carthage, Illinois, USA
Category
Religion & Philosophy
People
- Joseph Smith
- Hyrum Smith
Links & References
Tags
Joseph and Hyrum Smith killed by mob
Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith were killed by a mob while imprisoned in the Carthage jail. They were founders of the Latter Day Saint movement, which had generated both fervent support and strong opposition. As tensions escalated in the region, they were captured by local authorities on charges related to activities in their community. The mob stormed the jail, resulting in their deaths and further conflict within the movement.
Joseph Smith was a founder of the LDS movement.
The Smiths were jailed for civil disturbances.
A mob attacked the jail, leading to their deaths.
Their martyrdom strengthened the LDS community.
What Happened?
Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother Hyrum Smith met a violent death at the hands of a mob during their imprisonment in Carthage, Illinois. Their arrest stemmed from growing unrest in the area surrounding the Latter Day Saint community, largely due to fears and suspicions surrounding the group’s beliefs and practices, which included a distinctive theology and communal lifestyle. Tensions reached a boiling point when a local newspaper, the Nauvoo Expositor, critical of Smith, was destroyed by the Nauvoo city council, leading to a wider outcry against the Smiths and the church.
Following their arrest, the Smith brothers were held in the Carthage jail, where they faced an angry populace demanding their punishment. On June 27, a mob, composed of several hundred men, descended upon the jail, overpowering the small number of guards present. They broke into the jail and fired upon the brothers, resulting in their deaths. Joseph Smith’s martyrdom was seen as a pivotal moment for the Latter Day Saint movement, galvanizing followers and increasing their resolve to continue the faith.
The deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith highlighted the persecution faced by the Latter Day Saints and encouraged the community to seek a safe haven, ultimately leading to the migration to Utah under the leadership of Brigham Young, which would become a significant aspect of their history and development as a religious group.
Why Does it Matter?
The deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith had a profound impact on the Latter Day Saint movement and American religious history. Their martyrdom became a rallying point for believers, strengthening their faith and commitment to their beliefs. It also highlighted the intense scrutiny and hostility that religious minorities could face in the United States, informing future discourses on religious liberty and persecution.
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