A peaceful, fenced-in patch of land located several miles north of Kingston, Missouri, belies the violent and conflict-ridden nature of its history. For a brief time, Far West was the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Joseph Smith himself relocated there in 1838. This marked site was to be the location of a new temple. However, fear that Smith’s followers would soon outnumber local citizens—plus misunderstandings about doctrines of the church—led to escalating conflicts. This culminated with the Missouri governor issuing an order directing the militia to treat the Mormons “as enemies [who] must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary for the public peace.” The main body of the church was then forced to sign over their property in Far West, and most relocated to Nauvoo, Illinois.
Although a temple in Far West was never completed, the four cornerstones still remain at the site. Monuments describing the events that took place are on display, as well as picnic tables with views of the beautiful surrounding farm land.
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