Polygamy in Nauvoo: The Secret Practice That Fractured the Community

Explore the introduction of plural marriage in Nauvoo, its hidden nature, theological justifications, and the profound divisions it caused within the early Latter-day Saint community.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 3, 2026

Branched from The Founding of Nauvoo: How the Latter-day Saints Built a City of Refuge

Quick take

Polygamy, or "plural marriage," was introduced secretly by Joseph Smith and other leaders in Nauvoo.
It was justified as a divine revelation and a restoration of ancient practices.
The secrecy and practice caused significant internal dissent and external persecution.
This practice fundamentally fractured the Nauvoo community and contributed to later schisms and the exodus.

Polygamy, often referred to as "plural marriage" by its adherents, was a practice introduced discreetly among some leaders and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois. It involved a man marrying more than one woman, a concept initially kept secret from most church members and the public.

How It Began in Secrecy

The practice of plural marriage began quietly in Nauvoo, primarily among Joseph Smith and a select group of trusted associates. Publicly, the church leadership denied its existence, often issuing statements that condemned polygamy and affirmed monogamy as the only acceptable form of marriage. This created a stark contrast between public declarations and private practices, leading to confusion and mistrust among some members. Early plural marriages were performed with extreme caution, often with participants sworn to secrecy, to avoid public outcry and legal repercussions in a society that widely condemned the practice.

Theological Justification and Implementation

The theological foundation for plural marriage was presented as a divine revelation to Joseph Smith, intended to restore ancient biblical practices and fulfill a "new and everlasting covenant." Adherents believed it was a commandment from God, essential for exaltation in the afterlife and for raising up a righteous posterity. Marriages often involved complex family dynamics, with some women entering into plural unions with or without the full knowledge or consent of a man's first wife. While not universally practiced, it became an increasingly significant, albeit hidden, aspect of life for a portion of the Nauvoo community.

The practice of plural marriage was not simply about increasing family size; it was deeply intertwined with Latter-day Saint theology concerning eternal families, priesthood authority, and the nature of God's covenant with His people. For those who accepted it, it was a profound act of faith and obedience, often requiring immense personal sacrifice and navigating complex social challenges.

Why It Fractured the Community

The introduction and secretive nature of plural marriage created deep divisions and dissent within the Nauvoo community. Many Latter-day Saints, including prominent leaders and Joseph Smith's own wife, Emma, struggled greatly with the doctrine, leading to emotional distress, accusations of deception, and outright opposition. This internal conflict weakened community cohesion at a critical time. Externally, rumors and later confirmed reports of plural marriage fueled intense anti-Mormon sentiment, contributing significantly to the persecution faced by the Saints and escalating tensions with surrounding communities. This internal fracture was a major factor leading to the schisms within the early Latter-day Saint movement, the murder of Joseph Smith, and the eventual exodus from Nauvoo.

Was everyone in Nauvoo practicing polygamy?

No, plural marriage was practiced by only a portion of the Nauvoo population. It was initially confined to a small, trusted circle of leaders and their families, though it gradually expanded to include more members before the Saints left Nauvoo. Many members remained monogamous and were unaware of the practice for some time.

How did Joseph Smith justify polygamy?

Joseph Smith justified plural marriage as a divine commandment, revealed to him as part of the "restoration of all things." It was presented as a "new and everlasting covenant" necessary for exaltation and for raising up righteous posterity, echoing practices found in the Old Testament.

What was the public's reaction outside of Nauvoo?

Outside of Nauvoo, news and rumors of polygamy were met with widespread condemnation, disgust, and moral outrage. It contributed significantly to the negative public perception of the Latter-day Saints and fueled accusations of immorality, which in turn intensified persecution and hostility from non-members.

Did women have a choice in plural marriages?

Historical accounts suggest varying degrees of agency for women. While some women embraced plural marriage out of conviction and faith, others faced social pressure, theological persuasion, or difficult circumstances. The decision was often complex, influenced by personal belief, family dynamics, and the prevailing religious and social environment.

When was polygamy officially ended by the church?

While polygamy began in Nauvoo, it continued as a practice among the main body of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for several decades after their move to Utah. The church officially ended the practice of plural marriages in 1890 with the issuance of the Manifesto by President Wilford Woodruff, largely in response to federal anti-polygamy laws and to enable Utah to achieve statehood.