Sharon, Vermont

Sharon is a town in Windsor County, Vermont. Sharon was created on August 17, 1761, by way of a royal charter, which King George III of England issued to Governor Benning Wentworth of New Hampshire. It is significant in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the place where Joseph Smith was born on December 23, 1805. His parents, Joseph Smith, Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith were living on a farm owned by Lucy's father, Solomon Mack. The Smith's had moved to the farm only a short time before Joseph's birth.

Junius F. Wells, a long-time admirer of the Prophet, suggested to Church leaders that a monument be built in honor of Joseph Smith near the location of his birthplace. Working as an agent for the Church, Wells purchased 68 acres of the original Solomon Mack farm and arranged for the construction of a monument.[1] The Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial is a 38-foot tall polished granite obelisk atop an inscription stone and base making a 50-foot monument and visitors' center marking the place of his birth. President Joseph F. Smith, a nephew of the Prophet, dedicated the monument and the surrounding grounds on December 23, 1905, the 100th anniversary of Joseph's birth.

A visitors' center and an Church meetinghouse also sit on the property. Admission to the visitors' center and tours of the memorial site are free.

External Links

• Church History, "Joseph Smith Jr. Birthplace" by Jacob W. Olmstead

• Church History, "Joseph Smith Birthplace"

• Wikipedia, "Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial"