Once upon a time, Nauvoo, Illinois was one of the most important towns in the state. It was the town where Joseph Smith, and other Mormons, sought refuge from religious persecution. In 1844, the population topped 12,000 people, rivaling the size of Chicago. Today, the history is so well-preserved. In fact, it is one of the most historic towns in the United States.

You can check out 30 historic sites from 1839-1846.
Quinn Dombroski/Flickr
Everywhere you look, there are relics of the past.
Ken Lund/Flickr
There are restored homes and public buildings for you to explore.
Ken Lund/Flickr
In fact, there are loads of historical reenactments.
Matt Turner/Flickr

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While this town will show you what life was like during this time, it will specifically show what it was like to be a Mormon.
Ken Lund/Flickr
This is the historic Carthage jail, where Joseph Smith was martyred.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Today, there is a beautiful Mormon temple.
Brian Adams/Flickr
Even today, you can see the appeal of this great town for its ancestors.
Ken Lund/Flickr

Looking for other charming small towns in Illinois? Check out this list.

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