![](https://pro2-bar-s3-cdn-cf4.myportfolio.com/20abcd0473895c5d42938d36377cd219/5aef536a-7f65-4b2c-8ab6-5bac9948facf_rw_1920.jpg?h=34264d10634698fcd3efde2e7834b213)
![](https://pro2-bar-s3-cdn-cf6.myportfolio.com/20abcd0473895c5d42938d36377cd219/75d58ae4-5155-472b-96b1-49da982e99b4_rw_1920.jpg?h=93ad3c179d9b625de13d04645ffc1098)
![](https://pro2-bar-s3-cdn-cf1.myportfolio.com/20abcd0473895c5d42938d36377cd219/95411ffe-f11a-4c60-8577-4c5aee78954d_rw_1920.jpg?h=bf04b2f5e1b67a36ce064f2afec0ba1c)
![](https://pro2-bar-s3-cdn-cf5.myportfolio.com/20abcd0473895c5d42938d36377cd219/69b630de-dca8-443b-89c2-181168562cbf_rw_1920.jpg?h=4c332d7ee1ab0f2f0c390594ac5725ca)
The Nauvoo Illinois Temple stands on a high bluff overlooking a bend in the Mississippi River. The majestic building is a faithful reproduction of the original Nauvoo Temple built by settlers of the Church in the 1840s and destroyed by arson fire in 1848 and tornado-force winds in 1850. Featured on the grounds west of the temple is a handsome statue depicting Church founder Joseph Smith and brother Hyrum Smith on horseback; both were martyred in Carthage Jail during construction of the original temple. Nauvoo is rich in Church history and the destination of thousands of tourists each year.