Carthage Jail

4.9
1306 reviews

About

Historical LandmarkReligious Organization
On June 27, 1844, the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob that attacked them in Carthage Jail. At the carefully restored Carthage Jail, visitors can take a guided tour of the jail to learn about the ministry of Joseph Smith and the final days in the life of Joseph and Hyrum.

Details

  • Wheelchair accessible entranceAvailable

Location

Carthage Jail
310 Buchanan, Carthage, IL
62321, United States

Hours

Reviews

4.9
1,306 reviews
5 stars
1,221
4 stars
43
3 stars
19
2 stars
8
1 star
15

What are people saying?

AI-generated from recent customer reviews

Guided Tours

Customers praised the knowledgeable and friendly missionaries who provided informative and engaging tours.

Spiritual Experience

Many visitors described the site as spiritually uplifting and emotionally impactful, highlighting the profound sense of history and reverence.

Historical Significance

The jail is recognized as an important historical site related to the martyrdom of Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith, with many reviews emphasizing its educational value.

Site Condition

While most reviews appreciated the preservation of the site, a few mentioned concerns about cleanliness and maintenance.

Accessibility

Visitors noted the free entry and the ease of access to the site, although some mentioned issues with tour scheduling.
  • JM
    Jason McCree
    Oct 19, 2025
    5.0
    Nice tour and friendly guides. Peaceful
  • MT
    Matthew Wilkinson (thepatagonian)
    Oct 12, 2025
    5.0
    An incredible, sobering place to experience and valuable historic site that's been maintained to the highest degree possible.
  • GL
    Gregory Lee
    Oct 7, 2025
    5.0
    Authentic early 1800s jail with free tours. Very sobering as the martyrdom site of thr Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, who were both shot four times each by a mob of 150+ men in 1844.
  • BJ
    Beth Ann Jackman
    Sep 18, 2025
    5.0
    Wonderful experience. Missionaries explained details as if we were there.
  • JC
    Joseph Carrieres
    Sep 7, 2025
    5.0
    A fascinating historical location, where the founding prophet of the LDS Church, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob. They did fail to mention that Joseph Smith went down fighting, discharging a pistol at the attackers, but I don't blame him as he had just seen his brother killed with a bullet to the head. Not long after, Brigham Young led most of the members of the Church on the long trek from Nauvoo to Utah.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carthage Jail

What is the historical significance of Carthage Jail?

Carthage Jail is historically significant as the site where the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob on June 27, 1844. It offers guided tours detailing their ministry and final days.

What are the opening hours of Carthage Jail?

Carthage Jail is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and on Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, in the America/Chicago timezone.