• Editor’s Note: This is the sixth in a series of articles spotlighting things to see and do in and around Nauvoo, Illinois.

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As you plan your trip to Nauvoo, consider allowing enough time to visit some additional sites in the surrounding area. Sites of historical significance can be found in the neighboring cities of Keokuk, Montrose, Quincy, and Ramos. Children and adults alike will also enjoy a visit to Tom Sawyer territory in Hannibal, Missouri.

For a picturesque experience, take a 50-mile circuit drive from Nauvoo around the Mississippi River. Don’t forget to bring your camera as you head south from Nauvoo and go across the Mississippi via Highway 136 to Keokuk. Drive north along River Road to Montrose and continue further north to Fort Madison. To return to Nauvoo, cross back over the Mississippi River at Fort Madison via the longest (525 feet) double-decker swing span bridge in the world. There is a small fee (about $1) to cross the bridge from the Iowa side. This drive can also be taken in the reverse direction by heading north from Nauvoo and returning via Keokuk.  

KEOKUK, IOWA

Keokuk is located about 15 miles southwest of Nauvoo. In 1853, just seven years after the Saints’ forced exodus from Nauvoo, Keokuk became a major staging point for Mormon wagon trains bound for Salt Lake City. Many of the approximate 2,500 immigrants that encamped here during that year were from the British Isles and Scandinavia. While waiting for the wagon trains to head west, some of the Mormons were hired to grade and straighten the streets. This additional income helped finance their trek west.

For a free tourism packet, contact the Keokuk Tourist Bureau at 800-383-1219 or visit their web site at www.keokuktourism.com.  A new brochure entitled The Great River Historic Loop provides a helpful map with additional information about the scenic drive along the Mississippi River. Another brochure entitled Magical History Tour suggests 80 places of interest to visit in seven different counties. Children will also enjoy looking for Keokuk geodes found in this region (specific locations given in packet).

• Triangle Park – Through the combined efforts of the city of Keokuk and The Mormon Historic Sites Foundation, a recent memorial marker was placed in this small park on June 28, 2003 to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the 1853 Mormon encampment. For more information about this and several other new markers placed in Montrose, visit www.mormonhistoricsitesfoundation.org. The park includes a small playground and picnic tables but no restroom facilities. It is located at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Orleans Street.

• Keokuk National Cemetery – During the Civil War, Keokuk was situated on the border between the North and the South. Five Civil War hospitals were once located in this area and soldiers from both the Confederate and the Union sides are buried here. This was also the first National Cemetery located west of the Mississippi and is still in use today.

• Keokuk Dam/Lock 19 – Built in 1913, the mile-long dam was once the largest in the world. Watch the river barges pass through a lock as you stand on the observation deck located on the old bridge. Restrooms are located at the entryway to the platform.

MONTROSE, IOWA

Many would be surprised to discover that “during the heyday of Nauvoo, the Church and its members actually owned more land in Montrose, on the Iowa side of the Mississippi, than the Nauvoo side” (Church News, June 7, 2003, p. 7). In 1839, some of the Saints, including the families of Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, and John Taylor, resided in Montrose before moving to Nauvoo. On June 23, 1844, Porter Rockwell rowed the Prophet across the Mississippi River to Montrose with plans to continue west. But after receiving a letter from Emma, combined with the urgings of several brethren, Joseph returned to Nauvoo only to be arrested and taken to Carthage (HC 6:548-550). It was also in this area that a miracle took place. On October 9, 1846, some of the last of the Saints leaving Nauvoo were camped along the river in an area known as Potter’s Slough. They were in a pitiful state with little shelter or food.  To their amazement, a flock of quail landed in their camp. Tired from flight, the quail were easily captured thus providing much needed nourishment for the weary Church members. Brigham Young, upon learning of their desperate situation, sent supplies and men to help them continue on to Winter Quarters.

• Riverview Park – Three markers, two of them recently dedicated on June 28, 2003 and all pertaining to the Saints are located in this park. A new historic marker at one end indicates the former site of Fort Des Moines. It initially housed soldiers sent to keep peace between the settlers and the Indians in 1834. The fort became deserted in 1837 and soon after became a temporary place of refuge for some of the displaced Saints driven from Far West, including Brigham Young, John Taylor, and Wilford Woodruff. The fort was eventually torn down. Another new sign located at the other end of the park commemorates the Saints’ sojourn in Lee County. This park also contains a playground, picnic tables, and restrooms. It is located at the end of Main Street, next to the Mississippi River.

·         Pioneer Trail Memorial Pavilion at Linger Longer Park – Just 1 mile north of Montrose is a new memorial pavilion. It marks the beginning of the Mormon Trail, which was used by thousands of Saints as they left their beloved city of Nauvoo in 1846 and headed west. This is a wonderful spot for a panoramic view of the city of Nauvoo with the rebuilt Nauvoo Temple situated on the hillside. Another marker, placed here in 1996, refers to the “miracle of the quails.” Picnic tables and restrooms are also located here.

FORT MADISON, IOWA

Established in 1808 and named after the fourth President of the United States, Fort Madison became the first United States military post on the upper Mississippi River. The fort was used during the War of 1812 but was burned the following year after soldiers finally left the fort due to repeated Indian attacks. Later, the city would become an important transportation center for both railway and river.

• Old Fort Madison – This frontier outpost has been reconstructed to help you step back in time and discover what military life was like in the 1800s. Children will enjoy the many hands-on activities. Fort Madison is located at Riverview Park and Highway 61. Admission is $5/adults and $2.50/children 14 and under. Open Memorial Day thru August on Wednesdays thru Sundays 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and only on weekends in September. For more information, and to inquire about special events, call 319-372-6318 or 319-372-7700.

• Other sites of interest include: the North Lee County Historical Center and Museum, the Fort Madison Art Center, and the 1841 Lee County Court House. Those interested in trivia might be interested to know that the Sheaffer Pen Company is still located here.

RAMUS, ILLINOIS

Ramus, also known as Webster, is located about 20 miles southeast of Nauvoo and about 12 miles northeast of Carthage. It was originally settled by members of the Church and Joseph Smith frequently visited this area while en route to other destinations or to hold Church conferences. He also came often to visit the Saints living here, including two of his sisters, Sophronia and Catherine. In December of 1841, after a conference presided over by Hyrum Smith, Church members in Ramus gave nearly a thousand dollars worth of property and possessions for the Nauvoo Temple (HC 4:469.) On two separate occasions, the Prophet Joseph Smith received revelations while in Ramus, as now recorded in D&C 130 and 131.

• Site of the Ramus LDS Church – Beginning with the formation of the Crooked Creek Branch, Church membership grew in this area and in 1840, Hyrum Smith organized the Ramus Stake. One of the first LDS chapels was built here. It once stood at the site now occupied by the Webster Community Church.   

• Webster Cemetery – The Prophet’s sister, Catherine Smith Salisbury, is buried in the old cemetery located west of the city center. Catherine was born in West Lebanon, New Hampshire on July 28, 1812 and died in Ramus on February 1, 1900.

QUINCY, ILLINOIS

Located about 50 miles south of Nauvoo is the town of Quincy, named after President John Quincy Adams. This area became the temporary home for the Saints being driven from Far West during the winter of 1838-1839. The people in Quincy were very compassionate towards the near-destitute pioneers. On April 22, 1839, the Prophet and his brother Hyrum finally rejoined their families in Quincy after their lengthy internment in Liberty Jail. Just a few weeks later, a conference of the Church was held here May 4-6 (HC 3:344).

Call the Quincy Tourism Department at 1-800-978-4748 to request a free visitor packet, which includes free tickets to several local museums.

• John Wood Mansion – This mansion was built in 1835 and was once the home of Governor John Wood. He was serving as mayor of Quincy at the time the Prophet was martyred. Among items of interest are some of the original keys to the Nauvoo Temple. The keys are now part of a display found in the visitors’ center located in the mansion’s library. Admission is free to this part of the home, but there is a $3.00 fee for a tour of the entire residence. It is located at 425 South 12^th Street. For current hours of the John Wood Mansion call 217-222-1835.

• Marker – On the south side of Washington Park (located between 4^th & 5^th Streets and Maine & Hampshire Streets) is a marker telling about the temporary stay of the Mormons in this area.

HANNIBAL, MISSOURI

Did you know that Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), Margaret Brown (the unsinkable Molly Brown), and William Lear (inventor of the Lear Jet) all have something in common? They were just a few of over a dozen well-known individuals who were born or lived in Hannibal. Located just 90 minutes south of Nauvoo and situated at the crossroads of I-36 and I-61, Hannibal is a fun stop for those continuing further south to St. Louis or heading west to Liberty or Independence. Children of all ages will enjoy reliving the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Consider taking a riverboat ride on the Mississippi River, venture into Mark Twain’s Cave, or tour Samuel Clemens’ boyhood home. For a free tourism packet, contact the Hannibal Tourism Department at 866-263-4825 or visit their web site at www.visithannibal.com.

• Mark Twain Boyhood Home, Museum, and other related sites – The purchase of one ticket will allow you to tour Twain’s boyhood home, the Grants Drug Store/Pilaster House (where the Clemens family also lived), the J. M. Clemens Law Office, and the new Mark Twain Museum. For more information, visit www.marktwainmuseum.org or call 573-221-9010.

• Mark Twain Cave – Mark Twain wrote, “By and by somebody shouted, ‘Who’s ready for the cave?’” You too can explore the cave and with the assistance of a guide, you won’t lose your way as Tom and Becky did. 573-221-1656.

• Rockcliffe Mansion – Samuel Clemens once addressed 300 members of the Hannibal Society from the great stairway in this 30-room restored mansion. For information about tours of this home, contact 573-221-4140.

• Molly Brown Birthplace & Museum – Molly was on her way back to Hannibal when the Titanic sank, but unsinkable Molly survived. Her 1860s home has been fully restored and is also available for tours. 573-221-2100.

• Mississippi Riverboat Cruise – Take a one-hour cruise, a dinner cruise, or even a jazz cruise along the Mississippi River. 573-221-5335.

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