From Deseret News archives:
Historic Kirtland: Revisit Ohio town's central role in the early development of the LDS Church
That's the thing that strikes you about Kirtland how early it took its central place upon the stage.
By 1831, the United States of America had barely passed its two-score milestone. Settlement in this section of "the Ohio," as it was known, was barely 20 years old. The first homesteaders had moved into the area in 1811; by 1818 enough had arrived to form a township. In 1823 an enterprising young storekeeper named Newell Whitney opened up shop; by 1825 mail service had arrived.
Kirtland named after an agent of the Connecticut Land Company who never actually lived there was a pleasant enough spot. But without the benefit of railroad or seaport, it would never have become another Cleveland. It may never have been more than a typical little frontier town had it not been for another development that also shared a feeling of newness.
In February of 1831, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had existed for less than a year when its prophet, Joseph Smith, came to the area. He was only 25.
Now, as you look at the gently rolling hills and the fields of Shasta daisies, as you feel the quiet, peaceful spirit that lingers over the "flats," you can't help but think this was a great place to do it.
Kirtland, which today has a population of just over 6,600, is considered on the fringes of the greater Cleveland area; Cleveland is just 22 miles away. Kirtland is about 10 miles south of Lake Erie and is a choice little pocket of interest tucked into this corner of the state.
The town has a few other attractions, mostly nature sites such as the Holden Arboretum and the Penitentiary Glen Nature Center, which have walking trails through woodland areas. But the most important draw is Kirtland's connection to the early LDS Church. There are several important sites, including what is now known as "Historic Kirtland," the area of the flats that has been restored and turned into a small village by the church. In recent years, the LDS Church has expanded, restored, reconstructed and even moved a highway to create the little village. There are visitors centers at the nearby Isaac Morley farm and at the Johnson Farm, some 35 miles away in Hiram, Ohio.
Comments
- Sponsor for gay-rights bills found 9:53 a.m.
- Aggies beat Spartans in snowy Logan 4:31 a.m.
- TCU 55, Utah 28 4:24 a.m.
- BYU 24, New Mexico 19 4:21 a.m.
- Jazz game at a glance 3:00 a.m.
- Real Salt Lake: Game at a glance 3:00 a.m.
- Stanford ends Y's soccer season 2:20 a.m.
- Jazz hope D-Will returns soon 2:19 a.m.
- Snow, SUU lose 2:18 a.m.
- Toone saves day for Wildcats 2:15 a.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
358 - BYU happy to escape with victory
205 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
200 - TCU creams U.
154 - Will state consider gay rights law?
148 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
130 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
129 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
106 - Celtics crush Jazz
104
"He wanted to save lives, and he was willing to put his life on the line to...
So, if you accept the Proclamation but reject this latest counsel, you're...
Great job Rebels! You did us proud! You are a great bunch of kids. ...
Oh how I love reading the posts of Utes before the game. I saw your lips...
How can anyone truly say that the middle of the SEC and Big 12 would cut...
Maynor and Matthews the last couple games look like they've been playing in...
This was the biggest game in th econference this year. It wasn't available to...
I hand it to Utah for playing tough against a very good TCU team. Simple,...
For employment of for renting since they are private property landlords and...
Do you have any friends now? some people adapt diffrently to diffrent...


You can be the first to comment on this story.