History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

FOUNDING OF NAUVOO. 141
called Commerce, where were some twenty houses.
This was purchased by the saints, with the lands surrounding,
and a town laid out which was named
Nauvoo, "from the Hebrew, which signifies fair, very
beautiful, and it actually fills the definition of the
word; for nature has not formed a parallel on the
banks of the Mississippi from New Orleans to Galena."
The post-office there was first called Commerce,
after the Mormons had purchased the village,
but the name was changed to that of Nauvoo in May,
1 840. 49 The place was started by a company from New
York, but it was so sickly that when the agent for the
Mormons came they were glad to sell. The Mormons
drained it and made the place comparatively healthy.
On his escape from prison, Smith visited Commerce
among other places, and seeing at once the advantages
of its site, determined to establish there the
headquarters of the church. For so great had his
power now become, so extensive his following, that he
might choose any spot whereon to call into existence
a city, had but to point his finger and say the word
to transform a wilderness into a garden. During the
winter of 1840 the church leaders applied to the legislature
of Illinois for several charters, one for the
city of Nauvoo, one for agricultural and manufacturing
purposes, one for a university, and one for a military
body called the Nauvoo Legion. The privileges
asked were very extensive, but were readily granted;
for the two great political parties were pretty equal in
numbers in Illinois at this time, and the leaders of
the party in office, perceiving what a political power
these people were, determined to secure them.
49 ' Nauvoo was one of the names of one of the numerous petty chiefs in
British India.' Ferris' The Mor., 97. 'Nauvoo is a Hebrew word, and sig-
nifies a beautiful habitation for man, carrying with it the idea of rest; it is
not, however, considered by the Mormons their final home, but a resting
place only; for they only intend to remain there until they have gathered
force sufficient to enable them to conquer Independence in Jackson co., Missoui'i,
which is one of the most fertile, pleasant, and desirable countries on
the face of the earth, possessing a soil unsurpassed in any region. Independence
they consider their Zion, and there they intend to rear their great temple,
the corner-stone of which is already laid. There is to be the great gath-