Nauvoo

NAUVOO THE BEAUTIFUL

Historic Nauvoo is located in Western Illinois, bordered on three sides by a bend of the mighty Mississippi River. The restored homes, businesses and community buildings maintain the charm of what once was a beautiful, industrious city. Today, Nauvoo provides an opportunity to experience the people and times of the past.

Beautiful Nauvoo, Illinois has become a popular destination for visitors due to the city's history and the wide variety of experiences to be enjoyed on the bend of the Mississippi River. Annual events, restored historic sites, live entertainment and shows, Illinois' oldest winery, golfing and recreation, and quaint shopping all make Nauvoo an ideal getaway.

Browse this site to learn about the history of Nauvoo that helped shape many of the popular events and attractions. As you stand on the streets of Nauvoo, either looking out over the bend of the Mississippi River or looking up towards the quaint business district, it is not hard to realize how this picturesque experience in "City Beautiful" will put a smile on the faces of all ages.

LDS Nauvoo Temple

The Nauvoo Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was rebuilt from the original plans of the 1840's. It stands today on a bluff overlooking Nauvoo and the Mississippi River.

The Nauvoo Temple - From Mulholland Street

Johnathan Browning's Gun Shop

Jonathan Browning joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in August 1840 after becoming acquainted with Joseph Smith. He lived in nearby Quincy, Illinois where he had lived since 1834 and ran a successful gun-repair business. In 1843, he moved with his family to Nauvoo and re-established his business on Main Street.

Browning's business also prospered while he was in Nauvoo. The guns he produced in Nauvoo possessed a unique engraved plate on the stock reading "Holiness to the Lord - Our Preservation.

Browning is recognized as the man who invented the repeating rifle and six-shot repeater. His son, John Moses Browning, invented the automatic machine gun.

His descendants helped fund an authentic restoration of the Browning Home and Gunshop in Nauvoo in the 1970s.

Histrical buildings

Many homes and businesses have been faithfully restored to the 1840's time frame.

Bakery