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Sunstone from the Nauvoo Temple

Sunstone on display at the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois
New sunstone adorning the reconstructed Nauvoo Temple
Image of the original Nauvoo Temple
Story Behind the Sunstone:
This stone once adorned the original Nauvoo Temple, built between 1841 and 1846. Thirty pilasters (columns built into the wall) encircled the temple exterior, each featuring a starstone, sunstone, and moonstone. This unique design has caused many to wonder about the stones' meaning, but sources from the 1840s do not offer a clear explanation.

After the Nauvoo Temple was damaged by fire in 1848 and destroyed by a wind storm in 1850, any surviving construction materials were scattered. Only three of the original sunstones and three moonstones are known to exist today.

The sunstone was hand carved from limestone and weighs approximately two tons.
Location of the Object
On exhibit at the Joseph Smith Historic Site located in Nauvoo, Illinois
Date of the Object
Sometime between 1841 and 1846
Photos & Information Shared By
Staff at the Joseph Smith Historic Site
Community of Christ
Historic Sites Foundation

PO Box 338
Nauvoo IL 62354
217-453-2246

info@historicsitesfoundation.org
Our Mission
Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation supports preserving and sharing Community of Christ historic sites with present and future generations.
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Kirtland Temple
Joseph Smith Historic Site
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  • Latest News
    • Latest News
    • Women's History Tour
    • Winter 2023 Book Series
    • Church History Lectures
  • We Are All Storytellers
  • Historic Sites
    • Kirtland Temple
    • Joseph Smith Historic Site
    • Liberty Hall
    • Plano Stone Church
    • Heritage Plaza
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
  • Donate