In 1841 a group of investors, led by Joseph Smith, began a project to create a three-story building called the Nauvoo House. Slowly over the course of the people's stay in Nauvoo, the large building began to take shape. Construction continued after Joseph's death in 1844 but when most people left for the West just two years later, the building was abandoned, only partially completed.                                                                    

In 1847 Emma Smith married Lewis Bidamon. Prior to 1869 Bidamon revived the project out of leftover material to create a smaller brick building on the original foundation.  He and Emma planned to live in the home the rest of their lives. They called their new home the Riverside Mansion where Emma kept busy taking on boarders who might visit the old river town.

Those on the guided walking tour will pass by the Nauvoo House and hear additional information on its history. Today the inside of this building is available for use by large groups as a dormitory.
Learn more about renting the Nauvoo House.