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

Nauvoo was a thriving 19th-century city built by the Latter-day Saints on the banks of the Mississippi River, designed as a sanctuary after their expulsion from Missouri.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 4, 2026

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Quick take

Nauvoo was founded by Latter-day Saints in 1839 in Illinois as a refuge from persecution.
It grew rapidly from swampy land into one of Illinois' largest cities.
The city was a center of religious, economic, and political power for the Saints.
Its founding demonstrated the community's resilience and organizational skill before their eventual move West.

Nauvoo was a significant 19th-century city established by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in 1839. Located on a bend of the Mississippi River in Illinois, it was envisioned and built as a sanctuary and gathering place for the Saints after they were forcibly expelled from Missouri.

From Swampland to Sanctuary

After facing intense persecution and violent expulsion from Missouri, the Latter-day Saints, led by Joseph Smith, sought a new home. In 1839, they began purchasing swampy, mosquito-infested land on the east bank of the Mississippi River in Commerce, Illinois. They drained the wetlands, cleared the land, and quickly began to establish a new settlement. The name 'Nauvoo' was adopted, meaning 'a beautiful place' in Hebrew.

Rapid Growth and Unique Governance

Nauvoo’s growth was astonishing. Within a few years, it transformed from a small village into one of Illinois' largest cities, boasting a population of over 12,000, and potentially as high as 15,000-20,000 including surrounding settlements. The city operated under a unique charter granted by the Illinois legislature, which provided significant autonomy. This charter allowed for the establishment of a municipal court with broad powers, a university, and a formidable militia known as the Nauvoo Legion. The city was meticulously planned with a grid system, wide streets, and the central focus on the construction of a grand temple overlooking the river.

The founding of Nauvoo stands as a powerful testament to the resilience, organizational capacity, and communal spirit of the early Latter-day Saints. It became a vital center for their religious, social, and economic life, drawing converts from across the United States and Europe. While its existence was ultimately short-lived due to escalating conflicts and the assassination of Joseph Smith, Nauvoo represented a critical period of intense development and a foundational experience that shaped the identity and future trajectory of the Church, preparing them for the epic westward migration that followed.

Why did the Latter-day Saints choose this particular location?

After being expelled from Missouri, they needed a place where they could gather safely. The land in Commerce, Illinois, though initially swampy, was available and located on a major waterway, offering both isolation and access for new converts.

How quickly did Nauvoo grow?

Its growth was remarkably fast. From a small village in 1839, it swelled to become one of the largest cities in Illinois by the mid-1840s, with a population potentially exceeding 15,000 in just a few years.

What was the Nauvoo Legion?

The Nauvoo Legion was a chartered militia force established by the city of Nauvoo. It was a well-organized and equipped military body, initially intended for defense and civic order, but its size and autonomy eventually became a source of concern for neighboring communities.

What led to the end of Nauvoo as a Latter-day Saint city?

Increasing tensions with surrounding communities, internal dissent, political disputes, and the assassination of Joseph Smith in 1844 ultimately led to the revocation of the city charter and the forced exodus of the Latter-day Saints from Nauvoo beginning in 1846.

Are there still remnants of Nauvoo today?

Yes, historic Nauvoo is preserved as a living history site. Many original buildings have been restored or reconstructed, including the Nauvoo Temple, allowing visitors to experience what life was like in the 19th-century city.