The Mormon Belief: Garden of Eden in Missouri

LDS Perspective

The belief among some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) that the Garden of Eden was located in Missouri is derived from revelations and teachings of early church leaders, particularly Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church. According to Latter-day Saint doctrine, revelations indicate that Adam and Eve were the first inhabitants of the earth, and it was in the Garden of Eden where they lived until their transgression. One key source of this belief is connected to the vision and revelations received by Joseph Smith, which are recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants. Specifically, in Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:53-56, it speaks of Adam's covenant with the Lord being established in what is referred to as the "land of Adam-ondi-Ahman," which many LDS

Historical Perspective

Mormons believe that the Garden of Eden is located in Missouri based on revelations given to Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church. According to these revelations, specifically found in the gathering of doctrine and teachings attributed to early leaders in the Church, Missouri is identified not only as the site of the Garden but also as significant places throughout the narrative of early biblical figures. Adam-ondi-Ahman, a notable location in Daviess County, is associated with the aftermath of the expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Latter-day Saint beliefs regarding the Garden of Eden in Missouri stem from teachings that the sites in the area are rich in scriptural significance. For instance, Joseph Fielding Smith noted, “In accord with the revelations given to the Prophet Joseph