liberty jail historic site

Liberty jail is an important historical site for Mormons. Joseph Smith and those with him suffered a great deal in this place. It is remarkable to think that those men did not give up and continued with their faith.

It's been a while since we've been to Liberty Jail, but we felt to review it for others. This is a very special historic site for the Mormons, and for anyone interested, so we highly recommend visiting it, and taking the guided tour. Remarkable that after being used as a jail, it was used to store ice since the jail portion in its basement was so cold. Prisoners could hardly stand, and we're always cold, su,mel or winter. Inhumane conditions.

I've lived within 50 miles for decades, We finally visited here on a day-trip.Surprised to see the jail was part of the LDS church system, didn't know that. I just about bypassed the experience because of that, Why? don't really have a good answer.We were a few minutes late for the beginning of the presentation, but caught the gist of it and knowing a little about the Mormons in Northwest Missouri I was able to see what we had missed.Realize, This site is owned, maintained and rebuilt by the LDS Church, so the presentation is going to be geared to their beliefs and perspective of history, The Mormons are presented as being persecuted for no reason and their leaders jailed along with the Prophet, Joseph Smith, constantly referred to as "The Prophet". All history is presented in the perspective of those who present it. similar to how the Indian Wars are presented.I did not feel I was preached to or that they were trying to convert me to their faith.There was a lot of historical information, well presented by a young lady with a gentle demeanor and voice. It made me think of how people panic to people who are different and the fear it breeds, along with actions they took that they might or might not normally take. Whether deserved or not.The jail was very interesting, just seeing how anyone, whether Mormon or not was jailed during this period is enlightening to the times. I am impressed with the effort it took to build the jail and the constant expense it must take to keep it up.I guess my point is, This is a Historical site from the mid 1800's, well preserved, open to anyone who wants to view it for FREE. The presentations seem pretty historically accurate, just presented in the perspective of their faith.

This place is on sacred ground for Mormons and should be approached with respect and an open mind. "Missionaries" on site provide free tours and tell the story of what happened at this place. The exhibits are a bit dated and simple but they have a few artifacts that cannot be seen anywhere else (the original jails lock and key, etc.) This place has a peaceful spirit that can move the soul.

Every display well staged. Peaceful for such a horrible event from the past. A reminder of how intolerable people can be of something they don't understand.

Okay, this place is indescribably significant hallowed ground to members of the LDS faith and a historical curiosity to others, but... I was a bit underwhelmed. It was surprising that the site was completely enclosed. The mannequins inside the jail feel just a bit odd--sort of like dioramas left over from the 1970's. Everyone should see this place and learn of it's significance, but the site and story deserve a less stilted setting. As a member of the LDS faith who has always want to experience Liberty Jail, perhaps I can say the Church might be better served to take a longer view and present this place more as an historical site that is not quite as tightly scripted. Think marketing and not sales.

This is a great historical place to visit. This was such an important part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) history. To be able to see a cut away of the actual jail Joseph Smith and his companions were held in, restored in this building to preserve it and hear his written words and prayers and worries for others is very moving. It is hard to imagine being held in this place. Faith and patience and trust in the Lord in all things, were certainly learned here. There are huge marble or stone looking plaques on the walls with some of the writings and revelations that Joseph Smith received and wrote down while here. Very inspiring information on there stay here. This jail was quite a fortress too, timber, with rocks that could cave in if you got through the timber and then the stone wall on the other side of this! It was cold, little room to stand, little light and stray to sleep on. How they left this jail is quite inspiring too.

This visitor center is very well put together. Being LDS its a place i've wanted to visit but it's for everyone to enjoy. You can see how bad the jail was and hear some of the history from the area.

Inspiring and uplifting story and reminder of a very difficult time for Joseph Smith, his family and other members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

How well the story is told and the recreation is amazing. The LDS church always does a great job!!! It is such a pleasure to learn about the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Mormon history.

Very good presentation and the old jail has been brought back to life. We enjoyed our visit and listening to the stories.

First off the jail is a reproduction. It's staffed by Mormon Missionaries. I could haave got just as much information from a steet sigh.

This was an interesting and easy to find location. The jail itself is very well presented and the history presented in an interesting way. Although I am not Mormon, I enjoyed this.

Great tour, very historic and informative of the conditions and activities back in the day. A good introduction to the LDS religion and Joseph Smith. If anything, if you are walking around the Liberty Square, stop by for a break out from the hot Missouri humidity for the brief tour to cool off... You'd be surprised how enjoyable it is :)

Liberty is a pretty little town and visiting this historic jail was nice. I learned more and felt more than anywhere else I've been on the Kansas City visit. The elderly couple tour guide had lots to say...you could tell they were sincere in the importance of the jail and sacrifice shown there. I'm always amazed at what people will go thru to serve The Lord. Worth the drive out of the city.