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Points of Interest, History & Resources to the LDS Church's Smith Farm & Sacred Grove
Scenes from TheFirstVision.com Series
Map of Smith Farm
(artist rendition - circa 1827)
This map and text comes from a bronze plaque (and several others) located on the Smith Farm - a restoration of the original
Joseph Smith, Senior family farm by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (commonoly called the
"Mormon" or "LDS Church"). When Joseph Smith, Jr. received the
"First Vision" revelation in the Spring of 1820, only the "Log Home" and a
few other out buildings existed. The "Frame Home" was built a few years later, and
more trees were cleared to make fields and meadows.
SMITH FARM. In just twelve years, the Smiths turned their hundred acres of forest into a farm that provided for their needs and stood as a monument to their family unity, thrift, and exemplary work habits.
WOOD LOTS. Forty acres of wood lot provided fuel, building materials, and staves for barrel making. In addition, the Smiths tapped 1,200 to 1.500 sugar maples, producing 1,000 pounds of sugar annually. It was in the west wood lot that Joseph Smith went to pray vocally for the first time and received the "First Vision." This area has become known as the "Sacred Grove."
LOG HOME. In 1818 or 1819 Joseph Smith Sr., his wife, Lucy Mack Smith, and their eight children moved from Palmyra village to Stafford Road just north of the 100 acres they planned to acquire. They built a log home and outbuildings on this site where they resided for approximately seven years.
FRAME HOME. The Smiths' oldest son, Alvin planned the construction of this handsome New England-style farmhouse to provide for his future family and to care for his parents in their elderly years. The Smiths finally moved into the home in late 1825. Two months after moving in, the last payment on the farm was suddenly called due. Unable to make this payment, the Smiths lost tile to their to their property. In the spring of 1829 they were required to return to the log home.
FIELDS. Grains such as wheat, barley, rye, corn, buckwheat, and oat were grown to feed the family and livestock. The remainder was sold at market. Small patches of potatoes, carrots, beets, turnips, beans, pumpkins, squash, and flax were also grown.
MEADOWS. These areas were generally reserved for winter grazing, The Smiths mowed hay here once or twice each season.
CROOKED CREEK. This slowly meandering stream, which originated near the Hill Cumorah, provided a year-round supply of water and fresh fish.
APPLE ORCHARD. The Smiths planted an apple orchard of about three dozen trees, including a variety of types of apples.
SWAMP. Here the Smiths trapped small game for pelts to be bartered or sold in town. They also gathered cattails, which were used as gasket materials in lids of barrels made in the cooper shop.
STAFFORD ROAD. This rutted, ungraded wagon trail led north to Palmyra village, about two miles away, and south to Manchester village, about six miles away.
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