Plan Your Visit to Historic Liberty Jail in Missouri
Historic jails are often made “famous” based on who resided in their walls. Without those high-profile prisoners, they’re just a building with bars to hold criminals. Historic Liberty Jail – roughly 20 miles northeast of Kansas City, Missouri – is one such jail. But who was the prisoner who brought this attention and historic preservation to the Liberty Jail?
As my wife and I toured the Midwest, we spent some time touring sites focused on the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – also known as Mormons. Liberty Jail housed the first prophet and leader of the Church, Joseph Smith, Jr., for four months.
Many members of The Church of Jesus Christ visit these historic sites, including places like Nauvoo, Illinois, the Far West Temple Site and the Independence Visitors Center. If you plan to visit Historic Liberty Jail, here are a few tips to help you know what to expect.
Hours and Directions to Historic Liberty Jail
Tickets are not required to tour the Historic Liberty Jail and there is no cost, either. The building is open daily, Monday thru Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Sunday, the site doesn’t open until 1 p.m., but still closes at 7 p.m. It’s closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Historic Liberty Jail is located in downtown Liberty (Missouri), roughly 20 miles northeast of Kansas City. We had no trouble finding it using our Google maps – 216 North Main, Liberty , Missouri. You’ll find about 10 designated car parking spaces to the north of the building, along with five tour bus or RV parking stalls.
Once you’ve parked, make your way to the southeast side of the building and enter through those doors.
History of Joseph Smith, Jr., in Liberty Jail
On April 6, 1930, Joseph Smith, Jr., founded The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As the years went by, members of the Church were often driven from their homes and persecuted for their beliefs. The saints left Palymyra (New York) and settled in Kirtland (Ohio) and Independence (Missouri) in the early 1830s. Persecutions continued for the Saints, and in early 1838, Joseph Smith, Jr., moved from Kirtland to Independence, which was a gathering spot of sorts for members of the Church.
In late 1838, Missouri Governor Lilburn W Boggs ordered the “Mormons” to be driven from the state or exterminated. On December 1, 1838, Joseph and other leaders of the Church – Hyrum Smith (Joseph’s brother), Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Caleb Baldwin, and Alexander McRae – were placed in Liberty Jail for alleged crimes against other Missourians in the preceding weeks.
Life in Liberty Jail
Joseph wrote about what life was like in Liberty Jail. “We are kept under a strong guard, night and day, … our food is scant, uniform, and coarse; we have not the privilege of cooking for ourselves, we have been compelled to sleep on the floor with straw, and not blankets sufficient to keep us warm; and when we have a fire, we are obliged to have almost a constant smoke.”
Joseph received revelations while imprisoned and shared those via letters with the Saints. The words gave comfort to Joseph and the Saints in their afflictions.
My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.
Doctrine and covenants, section 121, verse 7-8
Later, those revelations and subsequent letters were included in a book of revelations known as the Doctrine and Covenants (sections 121, 122 and 123).
Sidney Rigdon was released on bail in early 1839. In April of that same year, Joseph and his cellmates were being transported to a different jail when the guards allowed the prisoners to escape. They made their way to Nauvoo to join the Saints.
What to Expect on the Guided Tours
When my wife and I arrived at Historic Liberty Jail, we didn’t really know what to expect. After entering, we learned that a group had just begin the guided tour, so the people at the front desk let us join them. Tours are led by volunteer missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The sister missionaries (two female volunteers) led our tour.
The tour begins with a short video on the historical events that led to Joseph Smith and his colleagues being held in Liberty Jail. It’s helpful to understanding the experiences you’ll learn about when you enter the next area along the tour.
Inside the large northern room, you’ll see a rebuilt life-sized replica of the Liberty Jail. The cutaway wall allows you to see how the building was laid out, along with the two-feet thick exterior walls of the two-story structure constructed of rough-hewn limestone. The interior walls are made of oak, with loose rocks filling the one-foot void between the two walls.
Beyond seeing the building, the tour guides will share more of the history about the jail and its occupants. There are some audio presentations as part of the tour, and you’ll see different sides of the jail as well.
The tour lasts about 15-30 minutes, but that may vary. Feel free to ask questions to the tour guides, including questions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Details
Address: 216 North Main, Liberty , Missouri 64068
Cost: There is no cost to tour Liberty Jail and the visitor center.
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m. The site is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Website: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/historic-sites/missouri/liberty-jail?lang=eng
Phone: (816) 781-3188
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