On March 24th, 1832, Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter-Day Saint movement, was brutally beaten, tarred, and feathered in Hiram, Ohio. This event was a significant turning point in the history of the Mormon church and in the life of Joseph Smith.
At the time, tensions were high between the Mormons and their non-Mormon neighbors. The Mormons had settled in Ohio in the early 1830s, and their beliefs and practices were viewed with suspicion by many in the area. This tension came to a head in March of 1832 when a group of men, including some of Smith’s former friends, broke into his home and dragged him out into the street.
Once outside, Smith was beaten and stripped of his clothes. The mob then covered him in hot tar and feathers, leaving him to suffer in agony. The attack left Smith physically and emotionally scarred, and he would later describe it as one of the darkest moments of his life.
Despite the brutal attack, Smith refused to be deterred in his mission to spread the teachings of the Latter-Day Saints. He continued to preach and travel throughout the country, eventually leading the Mormons to settle in Nauvoo, Illinois, where they would build a thriving community.
The attack on Joseph Smith in Hiram, Ohio, remains a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by those who challenge the status quo and stand up for their beliefs. It also serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Mormon community, who have faced persecution and discrimination throughout their history but have remained steadfast in their faith.
