![FairMormon Logo](https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021_fair_logo_primary.png)
FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
< Book of Mormon | Geography | Statements | Nineteenth century | Joseph Smith's lifetime 1829-1840 | Joseph Smith
Answers portal |
Book of Mormon Geography |
![]() |
![]() |
---|
Geography: DNA: Archaeology: Lamanites in North America: Other: |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
This page is based on an answer to a question submitted to the FAIR web site, or a frequently asked question.
This article is a draft. FairMormon editors are currently editing it. We welcome your suggestions on improving the content.
Joseph Smith reportedly found the bones of an individual named "Zelph," during the Zion's camp march. Does this have implications for Book of Mormon geography?
The most common version of this story is found in the History of the Church.[1] It should be noted, however, that the History of the Church version was created by amalgamating the journal entries of several people:
A comparison of the various accounts is instructive:
Aspect | WW | HCK | GAS | LH | MM | RM |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | May-June 1834 | JS on 3 June 1834 | Group on 2 June 1834 | -- | -- | JS on 3 June 1834 |
Place | Illinois River | Illinois River | -- | Illinois River | Pike County | -- |
Description | -300 ft above river -Flung up by ancients |
-Several 100 feet above -3 altars on mound |
300 ft above river | Big mound | -many mounds -fortifications |
-- |
Artifacts | WW | HCK | GAS | LH | MM | RM |
Person? | WW | HCK | GAS | LH | MM | RM |
Nephite/ Lamanite? |
WW | HCK | GAS | LH | MM | RM |
JS Vision? | WW | HCK | GAS | LH | MM | RM |
William Hamblin described some of the difficulties with this story:
FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We are a volunteer organization. We invite you to give back.
Donate Now