The site for the original Nauvoo Temple was selected in October 1840 by the Prophet Joseph Smith on property known as the Wells addition, slightly less than four acres on a high bluff on the east side of the Mississippi River.
When forced by religious persecution to flee Nauvoo in 1846, devoted Church members looked back lovingly and longingly upon their "City Beautiful" with its magnificent temple rising high on a bluff above the Mississippi River. The temple had served as a focal point of worship and faith for those early Saints who viewed the building as a sacred "House of the Lord."
Left unprotected, the temple was looted and partially destroyed by an arsonist's torch in October 1848. Weakened by fire, the remaining structure was essentially leveled by a tornado in 1850; the storm left all but the west wall of the building in ruins.
The following is information about the original Nauvoo Temple:
Exterior finish: Light gray limestone quarried to the north and south of the city.
Temple design: Incorporated several types of architecture, no single style dominating.
Architect: William Weeks.
Temple building committee: Alpheus Cutler, Elias Higbee and Reynolds Cahoon. After the death of Elias Higbee in 1843, Hyrum Smith replaced him until his own death June 27, 1844.
Number of rooms: Approximately 60.
Total floor area: Approximately 50,000 square feet.
Dimensions of building: Approximately 128 feet by 88 feet; 65 feet high, with the tower and spire reaching to 165 feet.
Cornerstones placed: April 6, 1841, President Joseph Smith presiding.
Dedication: Portions of the temple were dedicated and used as soon as completed. To avoid possible violence, a private dedication was held April 30, 1846, with Orson Hyde and Joseph Young officiating. The temple was dedicated publicly May 1-3, 1846, with the dedicatory prayer offered by Orson Hyde.
