Historical Buildings Survey Update: Mormon Pioneer Trail

WGEM news crew interviewing Savannah Knies.

Photo/Amy Kostine

Souvenirs from Nauvoo

Photo/Amy Kostine

A team of researchers from Middle Tennessee State University’s Center for Historic Preservation, led by Dr. Carroll Van West and National Trails Coordinator Amy Kostine, was wrapping up a road trip along the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail when the Big Blizzard struck the Northeast in early February. Despite icy roads and extreme wind, they were able to examine the interiors of several buildings at historic Nauvoo and the Carthage Jail in Illinois, thanks to accommodating guides provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With introductions by Iowa Mormon Trails Association President Brad Klodt, they also met a landowner at Lebanon, Iowa, who graciously showed them the interior of a barn dating to 1846. And one morning, while snowed in at their hotel, a visiting television crew from station WGEM dropped by and interviewed Dr. West and team member Savannah Knies about the Mormon Trail historic buildings survey. The project, funded by the National Trails office of the National Park Service, is scheduled for completion by May 31, 2022.

Interior of historic 1845 barn near Lebanon, Iowa

Photo/Amy Kostine