Item Detail
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9423
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1
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0
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English
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The Mormon Colony of Nauvoo, Illinois
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Journal of the West
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October 1963
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2
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468-76
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The Nauvoo colony of the Mormons was founded in 1839, at first under the name of Commerce. The Mormons came to Illinois from previous residences in New York, Ohio, and Missouri. Initial settlement was confounded by a swindle which gave the Latter-day Saints only swamp land to settle on. The population of the town eventually grew to nearly 15 thousand. It had over two thousand homes and a temple which was dedicated after Joseph Smith's death. Economic activity included two sawmills, a flour mill, a tool factory and a foundry. Private ownership was maintained but business was regulated by the Mormon leaders. Those without means of support worked on a public works program. Social life was religiously oriented but included dancing and singing. Drinking was allowed but daily lives were generally plain and simple. Polygamy was practiced by some Mormon leaders; however, it was not widespread nor generally recognized. Based on secondary sources.