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On this 200th anniversary of his birth, KSL honors the life, work and memory of Joseph Smith.
Certainly, it’s a significant celebration for those who revere Joseph Smith as a Prophet of God. The church he organized, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, now reaches throughout much of the world. Beyond the religious implications, though, KSL believes the bicentennial of Joseph Smith’s birth is worthy of every Utahn’s contemplation.
Residents of our region of all persuasions live every day with the practical applications of Joseph Smith’s influence. For one thing, it is evidenced in the way most Utah communities are laid out, on a grid with large blocks and wide streets in accordance with Joseph Smith’s “City of Zion” plan.
While he never set foot in this region, without Joseph Smith, this part of the country would be vastly different. Indeed, the great Mormon migration across the plains never would have occurred. Of course, this geographic area would eventually have been settled. It was inevitable. But it wouldn’t be what it is today.
Whether one’s view of that is positive or negative doesn’t affect the impact of the Mormon prophet’s life on every resident of the Beehive State. For that and so many other reasons, KSL pays tribute to Joseph Smith, born December 23, 1805 in Sharon, Vermont.
