Sharon, Vermont
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.