The Belief in the Garden of Eden's Location in Missouri

LDS Perspective

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as Mormons) believe that the Garden of Eden was located in what is now Missouri, particularly in an area near the town of Independence. This belief is rooted in early church teachings, particularly those of Joseph Smith, the Church's founder and prophet. According to revelations experienced by Smith and other early leaders, it was asserted that Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden and that it was established in this specific region of North America. The belief is supported by specific statements made by church leaders. For example, Joseph Smith indicated that Adam-ondi-Ahman, a location in Caldwell County, Missouri, was where Adam lived after being expelled from the Garden of Eden (Doctrine and Covenants 116

Historical Perspective

Mormons, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), believe that the Garden of Eden is located in Missouri due to revelations received by the church's founder, Joseph Smith. In Mormon theology, this belief is tied closely to the concept of a New Jerusalem that will be established in the same area, particularly in and around the city of Independence, Missouri. Joseph Smith identified a location called Adam-ondi-Ahman as significant in the history of mankind and the site where Adam and Eve settled after their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. This area is situated on the north bank of the Grand River in Daviess County, Missouri. Church leaders, including Joseph Fielding Smith and John A. Widtsoe, reiterated the belief that Adam's migrations after leaving th