Far West

The site of the city of Far West sits one hour northeast of Independence, Missouri. Although the buildings and structures of the settlement have long since been removed, the Far West Temple Site marks the center of what the Saints hoped would become a great stake in Zion. The quiet landscape of planted fields surrounding the site provides a peaceful setting
to reflect on their sacrifices to build Zion.

Following their expulsion from Jackson County, Missouri, the Saints needed a new gathering place. Though scattered in neighboring counties, they still hoped for and sought to build Zion. Their Missouri neighbors, however, still had concerns about the Latter-day Saints. How would their beliefs and traditions impact the local community? Was there a solution for both parties?

In 1836, the Missouri state legislature created Caldwell County and designated it a place for Latter-day Saints to settle. Far West was the largest settlement and county seat. By 1838, Far West had grown beyond its original one square mile plot to include two square miles, with as many as 5,000 inhabitants.

Joseph Smith moved to Far West in March 1838. Over the next eight months, the headquarters of the Church shifted from Ohio to Missouri. The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith seven revelations at Far West that later became sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. These revelations include direction on the name of the Church (Doctrine and Covenants 115), the purpose of stakes (Doctrine and Covenants 115), the law of tithing (Doctrine and Covenants 119), and a charge to the Quorum of the Twelve to preach the gospel in Europe (Doctrine and Covenants 118). In addition, the Lord instructed the Saints to build a temple in Far West. On July 4, 1838, in obedience to the Lord’s commandment, the Saints laid cornerstones for a temple at the center of the city.

Relationships between Latter-day Saints and their neighbors declined over the summer and fall of 1838, leading to Governor Bogg’s issuing an “extermination order.” On October 31, 1838, the Missouri militia arrested Church leaders, including Joseph and Hyrum Smith. The following day, the city surrendered, and militia forces pillaged goods, homes, and property. In the middle of this turmoil, Mary Fielding Smith, Hyrum’s wife, gave birth to Joseph F. Smith, sixth president of the Church, at her home in Far West.

Due to this persecution, most Latter-day Saints abandoned Far West by April 1839 and left the city desolate. Only the four cornerstones indicated the temple site. In fulfillment of the Lord’s charge, seven Apostles returned to Far West on April 25, 1839, and dedicated the site before leaving on their missions to Europe.

In 1840, John Whitmer returned to Far West and bought the land that included the temple lot. He lived there for 38 years and is buried nearby in Kingston. The Church acquired the property from the Whitmer family in 1909. In 1968, a monument was dedicated at the temple lot. Picnic tables and restrooms are available at this site.

Read more about Far West and the people who lived there in Saints Volume 1, Chapters 24-33.