1 Introduction ... (5)

The Zarahemla Centric Heartland Model (ZCHM) presents an extensive logical and a physical model of Book of Mormon geography centered on the city of Zarahemla (per Helaman 1:27 and D&C 125:3). The ZCHM is a database driven model that presents 151 unique physical locations with their equivalent modern place-names, matched to 893 interrelationships found in the Book of Mormon text. I started this project in March of 2015.
In the title page of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Mormon says the book is for "the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that JESUS is the CHRIST". My goal is to show the Book of Mormon to be a true and accurate historical account. Real places, real events, real people. Convincing of the physical helps in convincing of the spiritual.
3 Nephi 21:8
8 And when that day shall come, it shall come to pass that kings shall shut their mouths; for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
Godel's Incompleteness Theorem can be summarized as "any logical model of reality is incomplete (and possibly inconsistent) and must be continuously refined/adapted in the face of new observations" and so I invite your contributions, observations, and insights. - Jay Mackley
Notes:
- Information is presented with "accordion style" drop-down Sections. Prior to clicking an internal link to another Section, first click on "Open All" at the top of this page.
- I am affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and with the Heartland Research Group. However, conclusions and opinions contained on this website are my own and have not been endorsed by the Church or by the Heartland Research Group.
1.1 Mapping The Book of Mormon
This work is for those interested in exploring the history in the Book of Mormon, the special covenant of God upon the land of North America, and the locations of Book of Mormon lands. If you are interested more in the Logical Model and the ontology of it, I suggest you skip the Physical Model information in sections 1, 2 and 4 and go directly to Logical Model in Section 3. This may also help avoid any bias regarding the Physical Model vs the Logical Model.
Sections 1, 2, and 4 present North America as the Book of Mormon "land of promise" with the city of Zarahemla in the center and heart of the land. Overall I call this the Zarahemla Centric Model map for Book of Mormon geography. This Zarahemla Centric Model map is based on a series of Entity Relationship definitions of geography (see the Entity Relationship table in Section 3.4) that are taken from the Book of Mormon text (The Book of Mormon - The Earliest Text, Royal Skousen), and put into a condensed form using a standardized nomenclature, and then sorted by location. The Entity Relationship table is the foundation of the Logical Model which also includes a set of working rules/postulates regarding textual interpretation (see also Section 3.2). The Entity Relationships and the Rules of Interpretation together form the Logical Model. The Logical Model entities serve as the reference tool for creating a Physical Model. The physical model is represented as a series of maps. In addition to the physical location of Book of Mormon place names, the maps also detail missionary journeys, military campaigns, and other activity. See Section 4.
In theory, one could take the Logical Model as presented here to support a different Physical Model. However, the Logical Model is where some logical consensus can most likely be found among researchers. I encourage those with input and insights to share them with me directly. My email address is found at the bottom of this page. My goal is to help establish the Book of Mormon as an accurate historical document and thus widen the audience of those who take the Book of Mormon itself seriously, so it can achieve its ultimate purpose of "the convincing of Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ" (title page of the Book of Mormon). For this purpose I have created a Logical Model of Book of Mormon lands that is the most rigorous, complete, formalized, open, and transparent - so that anyone can use it to validate a physical map and to study the Book of Mormon in the context of common reference points.
However, before viewing the details of the Logical ZCHM, I know you may just want to "skip to the end" to see the overall map (the Physical ZCHM) for the Nephite, Lamanite, and Jaredite nations of the Book of Mormon. However, before you do so I recommend that you at least watch this introductory video so you can get an overview of what is going on.
To see the "master map", directly open Section 4.1 which contains the Zarahemla Centric Physical Model map that is built from the Logical Model as defined in Section 3
1.2 A Sacred Covenant Land
The ancient Nephites of the Book of Mormon, by divine means, "saw" our day. They saw the future.
Mormon 8
35 Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.
They wanted us to know that their land was a special covenant land, preserved for a righteous people - a land of promise for both them and for us, if we would live worthy of it.
Ether 2
7 And the Lord would not suffer that they should stop beyond the sea in the wilderness, but he would that they should come forth even unto the land of promise, which was choice above all other lands, which the Lord God had preserved for a righteous people.
8 And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness of his wrath should come upon them.
9 And now, we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity.
The Nephites seemed to assume we would have some understanding of their lands and even have access to their historical records.
Jacob 1
2 And he [Nephi] gave me, Jacob, a commandment that I should write upon these plates a few of the things which I considered to be most precious; that I should not touch, save it were lightly, concerning the history of this people which are called the people of Nephi. For he said that the history of his people should be engraven upon his other plates ...
The plates of brass are prophesied to come forth.
1 Nephi 5
17 And now when my father saw all these things, he was filled with the Spirit, and began to prophesy concerning his seed--
18 That these plates of brass should go forth unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people who were of his seed.
19 Wherefore, he said that these plates of brass should never perish; neither should they be dimmed any more by time. And he prophesied many things concerning his seed.
And also the entire set of Nephite records are prophesied to be preserved and to come forth.
Enos 1
15 Wherefore, I knowing that the Lord God was able to preserve our records, I cried unto him continually, for he had said unto me: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it.
16 And I had faith, and I did cry unto God that he would preserve the records; and he covenanted with me that he would bring them forth unto the Lamanites in his own due time.
17 And I, Enos, knew it would be according to the covenant which he had made; wherefore my soul did rest.
18 And the Lord said unto me: Thy fathers have also required of me this thing; and it shall be done unto them according to their faith; for their faith was like unto thine.
Unfortunately, we don't yet have access to those other plates with the history. However, the Book of Mormon has a wealth of geographical references that make it possible to construct maps after a few anchor points are known. To help with the specific locations we have guidance from scripture and also the writings of Joseph Smith. Archaeology and topography provide important additional clues and confirmation.
1.3 Questions and Answers
Here are questions I have received and answers to each.
Q1. Seems like your map is wrong, doesn't the Book of Mormon say the Sidon river flows northward?
A1. Actually, the Book of Mormon does not say the Sidon river flows northward. This is an assumption made because the Book of Mormon text says the head of the Sidon is near Manti and Manti is presumed to be south of Zarahemla due to Alma 17:1. However Alma 17:1 actually says the opposite when one reads more carefully. I'll refer you to Section 4.4.3 Journeys of Alma II for the details. Another reason Manti is assumed south is the claim that Joseph Smith said that Manti is the same as Huntsville Missouri, but there is no record of Joseph Smith ever saying that. It is folklore.
Q2. How come you don't place the Land of Nephi and Bountiful in the same location as Wayne May and his followers?
A2. I think Wayne May is correct about many things but not about this. We both agree, for example, on the location of Zarahemla and the location of the waters of Mormon. However, the Book of Mormon requires that the Land of Nephi be south of Zarahemla (and 10-12 days travel minimum distance), Bountiful be north of Zarahemla, the head of the Sidon be upstream from Zarahemla, and that Zarahemla be in the center of the land. Wayne Mays map and derivatives of it violate these concepts. The reason is because his expertise is in archaeology and not textual interpretation. Therefore, he is oriented towards correlating the archaeology with the Book of Mormon rather than correlating the Book of Mormon with the archaeology. This leads to pinning the Book of Mormon place names on the map for the purpose of explaining archaeology findings after the fact. I think he will admit to this. Other researchers with derivative maps, like Jonathan Neville, have admitted to this approach. To them the actual text does not have that much to offer for geography and is therefore of secondary importance. I take the opposite approach. I believe the Book of Mormon text is of primary importance and that archaeology is far less definitive, and therefore of secondary importance. My position is that the Book of Mormon text has everything to offer and I point to the table in Section 3.4 Entity Relationship Table as proof of that.
Q3. Why have you done this Book of Mormon research?
A3. I love the Book of Mormon and it's message of salvation and recognize its important role in the building up of Zion. It contains the "fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ" and is secondarily also an accurate and important historical record. So, I have five primary reasons for sharing this research:
- I believe it is important to better establish the historical veracity of the Book of Mormon as an additional testimony of its truthfulness. Some members of the church have come to believe the Book of Mormon geography and history to be allegorical fiction and even at BYU they teach the narrative with a faux map, as though the Book of Mormon were another Lord of the Rings type of fantasy saga. We can and must do better.
- I believe it's also important doctrinally to understand the special purposes and destiny of North America in Gods plan for the latter days, and what that means for those who live there. The Book of Mormon says the land comes with a special promise and responsibility attached to it - and that it has an important role to play in the latter days as regards to the New Jerusalem and the return of the Savior. So obviously knowing where the land is located is important.
- About one third of the verses in the Book of Mormon contain some form of geographical information and I find it very satisfying to read the Book of Mormon with a mental picture of the land involved. Everything in the narrative is thereby clarified and becomes more relatable.
- On the title page, the stated purpose of the Book of Mormon is for the convincing of Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ. Many people need to accept the Book of Mormon itself before they can accept the message of Christ that is in it. The extensive geography in the Book of Mormon is not just incidental but crucial in establishing the Book of Mormon as real history. Not establishing the history and geography as being something real means a closed door to millions of potential investigators of the Book of Mormon. We hold the Bible to be real history but imagine if we could not even agree on the location of Jerusalem?
- The Logical Model in Section 3 provides powerful evidence of the Book of Mormon's remarkable internal consistency, and is therefore a testimony of the divine origin of the text. This should be more widely known and is a part of the overall convincing process.
Q4. Many maps for the Book of Mormon have been made. Why are you doing it again? What is different about your maps?
A4. What is different is a unique methodology that yields a precise logical model, in form and content - which in turn leads to a new physical result (map). Yes, there have been many maps and theories for Book of Mormon geography published over the years. Unfortunately, they often contradict each other dramatically and little has ever been accomplished in the way of consensus or collaboration. All the previous geographical models have been incomplete (often woefully) and therefore flawed. The ZCHM (Zarahemla Centric Heartland Model) logical and physical models are the most thorough and complete ever done. The model and map Logical Model definitions are integrated into a database where analytical programs can analyze and cross-check in ways otherwise impossible. Here is a summary of the contents of the database:
ENTITY TYPES.............................. 26 Example: city, land, mount, hill, wilderness ... ENTITIES.................................. 115 Example: Zarahemla, Manti, Bountiful, ... FULL ENTITIES (TYPES with ENTITIES)....... 151 Example: city of Zarahemla, land of Nephi, land of Zarahemla, ... DIRECTIONAL KEYWORDS...................... 22 Example: near to, borders, south of, ... FULL ENTITIES + KEYWORDS + TYPES.......... 239 Example: city of Ammonihah near to wilderness, ... FULL ENTITIES + KEYWORDS + FULL ENTITIES.. 654 Example: city of Zarahemla borders Sidon river, ... ---- Total Entity Relationships (unique)....... 893
Q5. How can someone share ideas or inquire about the logical model?
A5. One can contribute suggestions, improvements and ideas to the logical and physical model by emailing me directly (use the email address at the bottom of the page) or via the Book of Mormon Covenant Lands Forum.
My purpose is to present truth with an open mind and apply the "scientific method" to arrive at the best possible answer. The process of inspired experimentation is explained and validated by the Book of Mormon itself. Alma 32 |
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Q6. How is your research approach different?
A6. I use a formalized and highly structured methodology, as described in Section 3.1 The Methodology. I also seek increased collaboration leading to consensus, especially for the logical model. I use a database driven approach with software to auto-check the internal consistency of the logical and physical model. I leave nothing out - every physical location and feature from the Book of Mormon is included in the model.
Q7. How are your conclusions specifically different?
A7. The proposed physical model (the "master map" in Section 1 Introduction) is "Zarahemla Centric". Zarahemla is placed across the river (west side) from Nauvoo Illinois, the city of Nephi at St Louis Missouri, the city of Manti a little east of Minneapolis Minnesota, and the city of Bountiful is placed at Sault Ste Marie on the border of Michigan and Ontario Canada.
Q8. How are your conclusions the same as other Heartland models?
A8. The events described in the Book of Mormon took place in North America. There is only One Hill Cumorah and it is located at the traditional site in New York as described by Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. See also, Section 2.2.1 The Book of Mormon in North America.
Q9. I have looked over your ZCHM map and found some things that are different that what is commonly understood. For example, should not Manti be north of Zarahemla and the Sidon flow north instead of south?
A9. The ZCHM challenges some basic assumptions that have been stumbling blocks for many years. The issues you mention and more are addressed fully on this website, in great detail (See Q1/A1 above and Section 4.4.3 Journeys of Alma II). That doesn't mean I think the ZCHM is infallible or cannot be refined further. I am anxious to explore alternative solutions and hope this website will be a catalyst for further discussion and discovery.
Q10. In Alma 22, Mormon describes the geography of the Book of Mormon. How does your model reconcile with that?
A10. The ZCHM is fully consistent with Alma 22 — after I make major punctuation changes to the long run-on sentences which are confusing and self-contradictory. See Section 4.2 Mormon's Dissertation on Book Of Mormon Lands and especially the comparison table in Section 4.4.14 Gadianton Robber Rebellion where this is done and explained in detail. Some may say that is "cheating" but I see the punctuation as well intentioned but incorrect, starting with the printer E.B. Grandin. Since the original manuscript was not punctuated, the punctuation we have today is not an inspired part of the text. Also I do not believe Alma 22 can be punctuated to fit just any geography model of choice (but anyone is welcome to try!).
Q11. So, do you consider the ZCHM model as presented on the site to be practically perfect and complete?
A11. The model as presented needs proof-reading and peer review. It is a work in progress that needs to be tightened up.
1.4 The Translation Process

The Zarahemla Centric Heartland Model (ZCHM) of Book of Mormon geography is based first and foremost directly upon the text of the Book of Mormon — and as close to the original text as possible for technical accuracy (For examples of this see the side-by-side textual comparisons in Section 5.2, Rules of Interpretation, IR2). This is made possible by Royal Skousen's study of the original manuscripts which has resulted in the publication of The Book of Mormon - The Earliest Text. Understanding the Book of Mormon translation process reveals that it was a "tight" translation, which is technically important to know when analyzing the text for geography. A "tight" translation means there should be great respect for the accuracy and the sacred nature of each and every word of the Book of Mormon.
There is much of controversy and conflicting testimony when it comes to the actual translation process. Most of the conflicting information comes from disaffected former members of the Church with a personal agenda to push (like Emma Smith) and with accounts that vary widely from one telling to the next, depending on the audience (like David Whitmer). In truth, only Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery had direct experience with the translation process. Fortunately their testimony is consistent, clear and concise, as in the Wentworth letter5 and other authoritative statements1. Therefore the testimony of Joseph and Oliver must be paramount. They testified the translation was: 1) Done by the power of God; 2) Included reading the golden plates; and 3) Involved the use of the Urim and Thummim -- also called the Holy Interpreters. The only real question in my mind is the role of the Urim and Thummim in the translation process.
One fact we do know based on testimony and examination of the original manuscripts is that the translation was a one-time dictation1a,1b,1c. Some have argued that a young Joseph Smith had the necessary biblical vocabulary to dictate the Book of Mormon. However, I don't believe this is correct — and almost no one does.
It is also argued, for good reason, that the young Joseph Smith studied2a the language2b of the plates for at least three months2c, was tutored by angelic messengers3 and could actually understand the language on the plates2b based on his own study2d. I do believe this is true based on the historical record and also Section 9 of the Doctrine and Covenants4. That the translation process involved understanding the engravings on the plates was also reiterated by the Lord to Oliver Cowdery when he said:
Doctrine & Covenants 8
1 Oliver Cowdery, verily, verily, I say unto you, that assuredly as the Lord liveth, who is your God and your Redeemer, even so surely shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a knowledge concerning the engravings of old records, which are ancient, which contain those parts of my scripture of which has been spoken by the manifestation of my Spirit.
However, understanding the Reformed Egyptian characters on the plates does not lead Joseph Smith to a one-time dictation into a complex Biblical style English with no revisions. This is where, in my opinion, the role of the Urim and Thummim5 comes in. I believe that Joseph Smith had a gift of translating the written meaning from the plates into his own mind and then the role of the Urim and Thummim (also called "Interpreters"6) was to interpret (consecutive interpreting) those thoughts into the precise Hebrew-like language constructs and Bible-like vocabulary that is now found in the Book of Mormon. The title page of the Book of Mormon says "The interpretation thereof by the gift of God."
This concept also explains why it was a one-time dictation instead of the normal multiple attempts required "to get the words right". Multiple attempts and revisions would be needed (double interpretation) for interpreting such a complex text without the aid of the Urim and Thummim. Nobody, on their own, could get the wording exactly right the very first time with no revision. Only God could do that7 and I believe God did do this via the Urim and Thummim. This was a blessing not only to Joseph Smith but it also fulfilled prophecy given by the Lord to the ancient Nephite prophets8.
Thus, I believe the original text of the Book of Mormon to be the ultimate "tight" translation. Every word and every spelling is significant and precise as it came from the lips of Joseph Smith. That is also my experience and testimony as I have studied the text in regard to the geography of the Book of Mormon.
1 See the Wentworth Letter, also Doctrine and Covenants 3:19, 5:4, 10:38-45
1a The work of translation proceeded haltingly through 1828. Joseph's wife, Emma, and others served as scribes until the spring of 1829, when Oliver Cowdery took over, recording the bulk of the 275,000-word text from Joseph's dictation, concluding near the end of June 1829, a period of about 60 to 90 days. (see Church History, ChurchOfJesusChrist.org)
1b These were days never to be forgotten-to sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost gratitude of this bosom! Day after day I continued, uninterrupted, to write from his mouth as he translated" (Messenger and Advocate 1 [Oct. 1834]:14)
1c All witnesses of the translation stated that Joseph Smith dictated the text of the Book of Mormon. This claim is supported by certain errors in the original manuscript which clearly resulted from the scribe mishearing what Joseph had dictated. ... Evidence from the original manuscript supports the traditional belief that Joseph Smith received a revealed text by means of the interpreters. ... In fact, the occurrence of non-English Hebraisms such as the if-and construction strongly suggests that the text was tightly controlled down to the level of the word at least. This tight control is also supported by the consistent phraseology in the original text. And the spelling of names such as Coriantumr suggests that control could be imposed down to the very letter. (How Joseph Smith Translated the Book of Mormon, Royal Skousen, pp 25,30)
2a ...Joseph began to make arrangements to accomplish the translation of the Record; And the first step which he was instructed to take in regard to this matter, was, to take a Fac-Simile of the characters composing the alphabet: which characters were called reformed Egyptian... (Lucy Mack Smith History, 1845, pp 117,122, Joseph Smith Papers)
2b for truth is a matter of fact — and the fact is, by the power of God I translated the book of Mormon from hieroglyphics; the knowledge of which was lost to the world. In which wonderful event, I stood alone, an unlearned youth, to combat the worldly wisdom and multiplied ignorance of eighteen centuries. (James Arlington Bennet letter, Joseph Smith Papers)
2c I commenced copying the characters of all the plates. I copyed a considerable number of them and by means of the Urim and Thummin I translated some of them which I did between the time I arrived at the house of my wife's father in the month of December, and the February following. (Lucy Mack Smith History, 1845, pp 117,122, Joseph Smith Papers)
2d With "true alphabet" languages, like English, one needs to generally speak the language in order to read it. However, for Pictographic and Logographic writing systems, this is not the case. See below. The "Reformed Egyptian" (Mormon 9:32) of the plates was likely a altered/customized form of the Egyptian Hieratic. The beautiful Egyptian Hieroglyphic's was used for monuments and Hieratic was the everyday "cursive" form, much simpler to write - and designed for parchment. Mormon explains that he used "Reformed Eyptian" that had been altered by the Nephites. One reason it had to be altered is that it was designed to be engraven on metal plates rather than parchment. That it also had to be logographic is clear when Mormon explains it was shorter than the Hebrew (Mormon 9:33).
In context of the Book of Mormon it is useful to understand the basics of the following writing systems
Pictographic/ideographic writing systems:
- There is no single way to read them, because there is no one-to-one correspondence between symbol and language.
- Only the author of a text can read it with any certainty, and it may be said that they are interpreted rather than read.
- Such scripts often work best as mnemonic aids for oral texts, or as outlines that will be fleshed out in speech.
- - Examples: Aztec, Mixtec, other Mesoamerican writing systems with the exception of Maya Hieroglyphs.
Logographic writing systems
- Glyphs (A symbol, such as a stylized figure or arrow on a public sign, that imparts information nonverbally) represent words or morphemes (meaningful components of words, as in mean-ing-ful), rather than phonetic elements.
- No logographic script is composed solely of logograms (A written symbol representing an entire spoken word without expressing its pronunciation; for example, for 4 read "four" in English, "quattro" in Italian.). All contain graphemes that represent phonetic (sound-based) elements as well.
- Many glyphs are purely phonetic, whereas others function as either logograms or phonetic elements, depending on context.
- Consonant-based logographies
- - Examples: Hieroglyphic, Hieratic, and Demotic — the writing systems of Ancient Egypt.
- Syllable-based logographies
- - Examples: Cuneiform, Chinese, Japanese, Mayan.
Abjad writing systems
- Script containing symbols for consonants only, or where vowels are optionally written with diacritics.
- - Examples: Arabian, Aramaic, Hebrew.
True Alphabets writing systems
- A true alphabet contains separate letters (not diacritic marks) for both consonants and vowels..
- - Examples: Coptic Egyptian, Cyrillic - Eastern Slavic languages, Greek, Latin-Roman (current western and central European languages).
3 And when Joseph Smith was raised up a a Prophet of God, Mormon, Moroni, Nephi and others of the ancient Prophets who formerly lived on this Continent, and Peter and John and others who lived on the Asiatic Continent, came to him and communicated to him certain principles pertaining to the Gospel of the Son of God. (John Taylor, Journal of Discourses, April 8 1875, Vol 17, p 374)
4 (revelation given through Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery)
Doctrine and Covenants 9
7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.
10 Now, if you had known this you could have translated; nevertheless, it is not expedient that you should translate now. (Doctrine and Covenants, 9:7-10).
5 "With the records was found a curious instrument, which the ancients called 'Urim and Thummim', which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a breast plate. Through the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the record by the gift and power of God" (Joseph Smith, Wentworth Letter, History of the Church, 4:537).
6 Ether 4:5
5 Wherefore the Lord hath commanded me to write them; and I have written them. And he commanded me that I should seal them up; and he also hath commanded that I should seal up the interpretation thereof; wherefore I have sealed up the interpreters, according to the commandment of the Lord.
7 2 Nephi 29:2
2 And also, that I may remember the promises which I have made unto thee, Nephi, and also unto thy father, that I would remember your seed; and that the words of your seed should proceed forth out of my mouth unto your seed; and my words shall hiss forth unto the ends of the earth, for a standard unto my people, which are of the house of Israel;
8 Ether 12:
23 And I said unto him: Lord, the Gentiles will mock at these things, because of our weakness in writing; for Lord thou hast made us mighty in word by faith, but thou hast not made us mighty in writing; for thou hast made all this people that they could speak much, because of the Holy Ghost which thou hast given them;
24 And thou hast made us that we could write but little, because of the awkwardness of our hands. Behold, thou hast not made us mighty in writing like unto the brother of Jared, for thou madest him that the things which he wrote were mighty even as thou art, unto the overpowering of man to read them.
25 Thou hast also made our words powerful and great, even that we cannot write them; wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words.
26 And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness; (Book of Mormon, Ether 12:23-26).
1.5 Recommended Videos
Here is a summary list of recommended video's from this site and elsewhere, regarding the historical Book of Mormon and events leading up to it's publication.
Summary list of recommended videos |
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"Videos relating to the Zarahemla Centric Heartland Model of the Book of Mormon.
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Activities of the Heartland Research Group to discover and map out the ancient city of Zarahemla is on. Join in the effort!
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Archeaological findings and evidence of Nephite civilization in and around the city of Zarahemla.
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Additional videos relevant to the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the Church.
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2 North America Setting ... (4,3)
2.1 Zarahemla Centric Heartland Model Map
The Book of Mormon peoples and events must be located in North America in order to be compatible with scripture and with the teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith. This basic premise is known as "Heartland Theory" and has rapidly re-gained acceptance as more people learn about ancient North American cultures, the content of the Book of Mormon, Gods covenant with the land of North America, and the teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith.
This website presents a Zarahemla Centric Heartland Model map for North America. There are four main reasons for being "Zarahemla Centric":
- The Book of Mormon says that the city of Zarahemla was a "great" city and the "capital city" in the "heart" and "center" of the land. (
Helaman 1:16-33Helaman 1)
16 Therefore, the king of the Lamanites, whose name was Tubaloth, who was the son of Ammoron, supposing that Coriantumr, being a mighty man, could stand against the Nephites, with his strength and also with his great wisdom, insomuch that by sending him forth he should gain power over the Nephites--
17 Therefore he did stir them up to anger, and he did gather together his armies, and he did appoint Coriantumr to be their leader, and did cause that they should march down to the land of Zarahemla to battle against the Nephites.
18 And it came to pass that because of so much contention and so much difficulty in the government, that they had not kept sufficient guards in the land of Zarahemla; for they had supposed that the Lamanites durst not come into the heart of their lands to attack that great city Zarahemla.
19 But it came to pass that Coriantumr did march forth at the head of his numerous host, and came upon the inhabitants of the city, and their march was with such exceedingly great speed that there was no time for the Nephites to gather together their armies.
20 Therefore Coriantumr did cut down the watch by the entrance of the city, and did march forth with his whole army into the city, and they did slay every one who did oppose them, insomuch that they did take possession of the whole city.
21 And it came to pass that Pacumeni, who was the chief judge, did flee before Coriantumr, even to the walls of the city. And it came to pass that Coriantumr did smite him against the wall, insomuch that he died. And thus ended the days of Pacumeni.
22 And now when Coriantumr saw that he was in possession of the city of Zarahemla, and saw that the Nephites had fled before them, and were slain, and were taken, and were cast into prison, and that he had obtained the possession of the strongest hold in all the land, his heart took courage insomuch that he was about to go forth against all the land.
23 And now he did not tarry in the land of Zarahemla, but he did march forth with a large army, even towards the city of Bountiful; for it was his determination to go forth and cut his way through with the sword, that he might obtain the north parts of the land.
24 And, supposing that their greatest strength was in the center of the land, therefore he did march forth, giving them no time to assemble themselves together save it were in small bodies; and in this manner they did fall upon them and cut them down to the earth.
25 But behold, this march of Coriantumr through the center of the land gave Moronihah great advantage over them, notwithstanding the greatness of the number of the Nephites who were slain.
26 For behold, Moronihah had supposed that the Lamanites durst not come into the center of the land, but that they would attack the cities round about in the borders as they had hitherto done; therefore Moronihah had caused that their strong armies should maintain those parts round about by the borders.
27 But behold, the Lamanites were not frightened according to his desire, but they had come into the center of the land, and had taken the capital city which was the city of Zarahemla, and were marching through the most capital parts of the land, slaying the people with a great slaughter, both men, women, and children, taking possession of many cities and of many strongholds.
28 But when Moronihah had discovered this, he immediately sent forth Lehi with an army round about to head them before they should come to the land Bountiful.
29 And thus he did; and he did head them before they came to the land Bountiful, and gave unto them battle, insomuch that they began to retreat back towards the land of Zarahemla.
30 And it came to pass that Moronihah did head them in their retreat, and did give unto them battle, insomuch that it became an exceedingly bloody battle; yea, many were slain, and among the number who were slain Coriantumr was also found.
31 And now, behold, the Lamanites could not retreat either way, neither on the north, nor on the south, nor on the east, nor on the west, for they were surrounded on every hand by the Nephites.
32 And thus had Coriantumr plunged the Lamanites into the midst of the Nephites, insomuch that they were in the power of the Nephites, and he himself was slain, and the Lamanites did yield themselves into the hands of the Nephites.
33 And it came to pass that Moronihah took possession of the city of Zarahemla again, and caused that the Lamanites who had been taken prisoners should depart out of the land in peace. - Zarahemla is easily mentioned more times (139 verses, 424 occurrences) than any other place-name in the Book of Mormon, indicating its key role in the Book of Mormon narrative from 280 BC onward.
- Zarahemla is identified specifically in the Doctrine and Covenants (
Doctrine and Covenants 125:2-3Doctrine and Covenants 125) as being across the river from Nauvoo so this initial placement, combined with reason #2, is the anchor point for the Physical Model. See "Zarahemla" in Section 2.2.3 Location of Zarahemla regarding the interpretation of Doctrine & Covenants 125:2-3. Many gainsay this scripture out of "stiffneckedness and unbelief", however, consider this: The Lord Himself has instructed His saints to call this location Zarahemla.
2 Verily, thus saith the Lord, I say unto you, if those who call themselves by my name and are essaying to be my saints, if they will do my will and keep my commandments concerning them, let them gather themselves together unto the places which I shall appoint unto them by my servant Joseph, and build up cities unto my name, that they may be prepared for that which is in store for a time to come.
3 Let them build up a city unto my name upon the land opposite the city of Nauvoo, and let the name of Zarahemla be named upon it. - It turns out that placing Zarahemla in the center and across from Nauvoo is the only approach that works with the Logical Model as presented in Section 3.
2.2 Church of Jesus Christ Doctrinal Considerations ... (3)
2.2.1 The Book of Mormon in North America
When I completed enough of this project online to invite others to review Book of Mormon Covenant Lands. Two published authors in this subject graciously agreed to take a look. One was Jonathan Neville. Jonathan has written many books on the Book of Mormon (my two favorites are The Lost City of Zarahemla and Letter VII) and authors a popular Book of Mormon blog. The second person, Brant Gardner, is also a Book of Mormon book author and author at FairMormon, an LDS apologetics site.
There is in the church now a great divide between those who: A) believe the narrative history of the Book of Mormon occurred in North America, USA/Canada (I call it N1C); and B) those who believe it occurred in Mesoamerica (called M2C). The M2C position is that there must be two hill Cumorah’s and that the hill Cumorah of the Book of Mormon is really located somewhere in Mesoamerica.
To deflect criticism or controversy it is sometimes argued that "geography doesn’t really make any difference" regarding the Book of Mormon. However, the Book of Mormon contains prophecies, warnings, and special covenants that apply to the land of the Book of Mormon and the people who inhabit it.
The question of N1C vs M2C is now a litmus test between Book of Mormon researchers (BTW, Jonathan Neville is N1C and Brant Gardner is M2C). If you are N1C then you are immediately suspect by M2C proponents in anything you write or propose about the Book of Mormon. Also vice-versa. Most M2C groups, when challenged, will claim to be neutral on the question of Book of Mormon geography. However, while M2C models are documented, they avoid presenting information on N1C geographic models, archaeological discoveries, or writings.
I find that FairMormon makes a claim to be neutral, but fails. They are N1C hostile, sometimes openly, but more often by just ignoring and suppressing N1C information.
Book of Mormon Central claims to be neutral, but in practice they are not. For example, their logo still contains a Mayan glyph. They exclude N1C information and perspectives and argue against anything N1C. Book of Mormon Central is owned by Book of Mormon Archaeological Forum (bmaf.org) whose mission statement is to promote the Book of Mormon as an "ancient Mayan codex".
BYU Studies is a bastion of the M2C. They lead the charge and make no claim to neutrality in their policies. Their first "key objective" is to include only "authors who share the same goals and objectives as we do", which in general is fine but for N1C that means "not welcome".
My Book of Mormon Logical Model and Map declares that I am definitely of the N1C persuasion. The reason is not primarily because of geography or maps. It’s doctrinal. The scriptures declare it. The prophets declare it. The M2C people will say "the scriptures are not definitive" and the prophets only did "the best they could with what they knew" but just weren’t privy "to the additional information that scholars have since determined". They say "it’s the science of archaeology that counts" and trumps all other considerations, and "not everything the prophets say is doctrine so I am not obligated to accept it". It is not hyperbole for me to say that all of this is the consensus opinion of the M2C folks from my own personal experience. I disagree with it totally.
I have been alive long enough to see that "the sciences" are a moving target, always shifting and changing by definition. Not a foundation to build upon when the rains come and the winds blow. The M2C position is, in my opinion, untenable. By the standard of following only the sciences, the M2C boosters should abandon M2C because the overwhelming consensus of non-LDS archaeologists, the leading experts in Mesoamerican archaeology, is negative. They think it is a joke. They say the written language doesn’t match, the evidence on the ground doesn’t match, the animals don’t match, and the timelines don’t match up either. They say the decline of Classic Maya civilization and the abandonment of Maya cities in the southern Maya lowlands of Mesoamerica is between the 8th and 9th centuries at the end of the Classic Maya Period, and that pre-classic Maya experienced a similar collapse in the 2nd century. None of this matches up with Book of Mormon time-lines. Not. Even. Close.
Most of the membership of the Church doesn’t buy into M2C, with it’s 2-Cumorah requirement, either. They trend to believing the prophets and the scriptures and Joseph Smith (e.g. the Wentworth letter) and they don’t read "academic" books and papers, especially those members who live outside the US. So now the M2C folks are arrayed against the scientific establishment, the lay members of the church, the Prophets, and the Scriptures. It’s what I mean by being "untenable".
One of the most serious issues is the censoring and altering the words of the prophets in church publications and manuals. This is caused, I believe, by M2C tainted editors who are promoting their M2C worldview. It is not a systemic policy but it happens. What follows below is an egregious example. Simply deplorable.
Teachings of the Presidents, Brigham Young Manual, Chapter 47: President Brigham Young's Witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith |
Original talk by Brigham Young, delivered June 21 1874, Journal of Discourses Vol. 18 p. 239 |
When Joseph first received the knowledge of the plates that were in the hill Cumorah, he did not then receive the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood, he merely received the knowledge that the plates were there, and that the Lord would bring them forth. ... He received the knowledge that [early inhabitants of the Americas] were once in possession of the Gospel, and from that time he went on, step by step, until he obtained the plates, and the Urim and Thummim and had power to translate them. | When Joseph first received the knowledge of the plates that were in the hill Cumorah, he did not then receive the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood, he merely received the knowledge that the plates were there, and that the Lord would bring them forth, and that they contained the history of the aborigines of this country. He received the knowledge that they were once in possession of the Gospel, and from that time he went on, step by step, until he obtained the plates, and the Urim and Thummim and had power to translate them. |
When Joseph Smith wrote the Wentworth Letter, he made this request:
At the request of Mr. John Wentworth, Editor and Proprietor of the Chicago Democrat, I have written the following sketch of the rise, progress, persecution, and faith of the Latter-day Saints, of which I have the honor, under God, of being the founder. Mr. Wentworth says that he wishes to furnish Mr. Barstow, a friend of his, who is writing the history of New Hampshire, with this document. As Mr. Barstow has taken the proper steps to obtain correct information, all that I shall ask at his hands, is, that he publish the account entire, ungarnished, and without misrepresentation."
Unfortunately, many church publications do not honor Joseph's request by publishing the entire account but instead use a censored version of the Wentworth letter and intentionally removing just the following lines to hide Joseph Smiths' statement about Jaredites and Nephites being from America, "this country":
The Teachings of Joseph Smith, Priesthood Manual, p 441 | The Encylopedia of Mormonism, 1992, Wentworth Letter, Appendix 12 |
Through the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the record by the gift and power of God. ... This book ... tells us that our Savior made His appearance upon this continent after His resurrection; that He planted the Gospel here in all its fulness, and richness, and power, and blessing; that they had Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, and Evangelists, the same order, the same priesthood, the same ordinances, gifts, powers, and blessings, as were enjoyed on the eastern continent; that the people were cut off in consequence of their transgressions; that the last of their prophets who existed among them was commanded to write an abridgment of their prophecies, history, etc., and to hide it up in the earth, and that it should come forth and be united with the Bible for the accomplishment of the purposes of God in the last days. |
Through the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the record by the gift and power of God. In this important and interesting book the history of ancient America is unfolded, from its first settlement by a colony that came from the Tower of Babel, at the confusion of languages to the beginning of the fifth century of the Christian era. We are informed by these records that America in ancient times has been inhabited by two distinct races of people. The first were called Jaredites, and came directly from the tower of Babel. The second race came directly from the city of Jerusalem, about six hundred years before Christ. They were principally Israelites, of the descendants of Joseph. The Jaredites were destroyed about the time that the Israelites came from Jerusalem, who succeeded them in the inheritance of the country. The principal nation of the second race fell in battle towards the close of the fourth century. The remnant are the Indians that now inhabit this country. This book also tells us that our Savior made His appearance upon this continent after His resurrection; that He planted the Gospel here in all its fulness, and richness, and power, and blessing; that they had Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, and Evangelists, the same order, the same priesthood, the same ordinances, gifts, powers, and blessings, as were enjoyed on the eastern continent; that the people were cut off in consequence of their transgressions; that the last of their prophets who existed among them was commanded to write an abridgment of their prophecies, history, etc., and to hide it up in the earth, and that it should come forth and be united with the Bible for the accomplishment of the purposes of God in the last days. |
And so, because of surreptitious M2C editing and M2C stealth promotion, many members are unaware of the teachings of the prophets, and so the M2C position can seem okay to those who buy the books etc. — but I maintain that to contradict the clear pattern of what the of prophets and the scriptures have taught is out of step, doctrinally, with what the Book of Mormon teaches:
2 Nephi 9:28-29,4
28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.
29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.
42 And whoso knocketh, to him will he open; and the wise, and the learned, and they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and their riches–yea, they are they whom he despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them.
The above scripture is harsher than I would dare to be, so I just quote it. I don’t think it would be right to do less. Also, consider that Jesus "upbraided" some of His Apostles for their initial unbelief of the testimonies of his resurrection. Upbraided means "chastised" and "severely criticized". So, in fairness to the dedicated M2C people they are in good company, but if they are wise they will repent their ways as the ancient Apostles did.
Mark 1
14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
"Stiff neckedness and unbelief" also held back the early Apostles from understanding about the "other sheep":
3 Nephi 15
11 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, he said unto those twelve whom he had chosen:
12 Ye are my disciples; and ye are a light unto this people, who are a remnant of the house of Joseph.
13 And behold, this is the land of your inheritance; and the Father hath given it unto you.
14 And not at any time hath the Father given me commandment that I should tell it unto your brethren at Jerusalem.
15 Neither at any time hath the Father given me commandment that I should tell unto them concerning the other tribes of the house of Israel, whom the Father hath led away out of the land.
16 This much did the Father command me, that I should tell unto them:
17 That other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
18 And now, because of stiffneckedness and unbelief they understood not my word; therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning this thing unto them.
In support of my position I quote President Oaks below. The complete talk is available here.

I maintain that the issue of the historicity of the Book of Mormon is basically a difference between those who rely exclusively on scholarship and those who rely on a combination of scholarship, faith, and revelation. Those who rely exclusively on scholarship reject revelation and fulfill Nephi's prophecy that in the last days men shall teach with their learning, and deny the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance... (2 Ne. 28:4).
— Dallin H. Oaks, 29 October 1993, The Historicity of the Book of Mormon
Now that I have quoted President Oaks, I could probably end this and be done. However, I also want to document just how strong the case for N1C really is. It is far stronger than most realize, and is definitely not limited to any one "opinion" but is backed up by many prophets, many scriptures, authoritative accounts, and word of the LORD himself. Below are significant testimonies that I have chosen to share because they transcend "opinion".
The scriptures below indicate that missionaries were sent to the "Lamanites" in Missouri. In the Doctrine and Covenants, the city of the future New Jerusalem mentioned by the prophet Ether is also identified as being in Missouri. These are canonized scriptures, with the Lord speaking in the first person and should not be construed by faithful members of the church as "just" the opinion of Joseph Smith. Because of the taint of M2C some LDS visitors centers have labeled the mission as "missionaries sent to the Indians" to hide the reference to Lamanites in Missouri. Some visitors centers have also employed Mayan glyphs in their portrayals.
For more information on these first missionaries of the church, I recommend Lamanites in North America.

Doctrine and Covenants 10
45 Behold, there are many things engraven upon the plates of Nephi which do throw greater views upon my gospel; therefore, it is wisdom in me that you should translate this first part of the engravings of Nephi, and send forth in this work.
46 And, behold, all the remainder of this work does contain all those parts of my gospel which my holy prophets, yea, and also my disciples, desired in their prayers should come forth unto this people.
47 And I said unto them, that it should be granted unto them according to their faith in their prayers;
48 Yea, and this was their faith–that my gospel, which I gave unto them that they might preach in their days, might come unto their brethren the Lamanites, and also all that had become Lamanites because of their dissensions.
49 Now, this is not all–their faith in their prayers was that this gospel should be made known also, if it were possible that other nations should possess this land;
50 And thus they did leave a blessing upon this land in their prayers, that whosoever should believe in this gospel in this land might have eternal life;
51 Yea, that it might be free unto all of whatsoever nation, kindred, tongue, or people they may be.
52 And now, behold, according to their faith in their prayers will I bring this part of my gospel to the knowledge of my people. Behold, I do not bring it to destroy that which they have received, but to build it up.
Doctrine and Covenants 28:9
9 And now, behold, I say unto you that it is not revealed, and no man knoweth where the city Zion shall be built, but it shall be given hereafter. Behold, I say unto you that it shall be on the borders by the Lamanites.
Doctrine and Covenants 28:14
14 And thou shalt assist to settle all these things, according to the covenants of the church, before thou shalt take thy journey among the Lamanites.
Doctrine and Covenants 54:8
8 And thus you shall take your journey into the regions westward, unto the land of Missouri, unto the borders of the Lamanites.
Doctrine and Covenants 84
2 Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city of New Jerusalem.
3 Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased.
Ether 13
3 And that it was the place of the New Jerusalem, which should come down out of heaven, and the holy sanctuary of the Lord.
4 Behold, Ether saw the days of Christ, and he spake concerning a New Jerusalem upon this land.
However, these first missionaries carried the message that the Book of Mormon was all about the forefathers of the "aboriginal inhabitants" of "this country" (Wentworth letter). When the missionaries took the Book of Mormon to the Lamanites the message from the Lord was that its history applied to this land (DC 10:49,50). This country or this land means whatever the land or country the hearer is from and not the "entire hemisphere" — despite M2C related sophistry.

Oliver Cowdery's Speech to the Delaware Indians about the Book of Mormon
According to Parley P. Pratt they taught the following:
Thousands of moons ago, when the red men's forefathers dwelt in peace and possessed this whole land, the Great Spirit talked with them, and revealed His law and His will, and much knowledge to their wise men and prophets. This they wrote in a Book; together with their history, and the things which should befall their children in the latter days. This Book was written on plates of gold, and handed down from father to son for many ages and generations. It was then that the people prospered, and were strong and mighty; they cultivated the earth; built buildings and cities, and abounded in all good things, as the pale faces now do. But they became wicked: they killed one another and shed much blood; they killed their prophets and wise men, and sought to destroy the Book. The great Spirit became angry, and would speak to them no more; they had no more good and wise dreams ; no more visions ; no more angels sent among them by the Great Spirit; and the Lord commanded Mormon and Moroni, their last wise men and prophets, to hide the Book in the earth, that it might be preserved in safety, and be found and made known in the latter day to the pale faces who should possess the land; that they might again make it known to the red man; in order to restore them to the knowledge of the will of the Great Spirit and to His favor. ... The Book, which contained these things, was hid in the earth by Moroni, in a hill called by him, Cumorah, which hill is now in the State of New York, near the village of Palmyra, in Ontario county.

I include a quote from Joseph Fielding Smith below because he speaks directly to the N1C vs M2C issue. Of course the M2C folks won’t accept Joseph Fielding Smith on this issue. They gainsay his teachings.
This modernistic theory of necessity, in order to be consistent, must place the waters of Ripliancum and the Hill Cumorah some place within the restricted territory of Central America, notwithstanding the teachings of the Church to the contrary for upwards of 100 years. Because of this theory some members of the Church have become confused and greatly disturbed in their faith in the Book of Mormon. It is for this reason that evidence is here presented to show that it is not only possible that these places could be located as the Church has held during the past century, but that in very deed such is the case.
— Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, Volume3, Chapter 12, pp 592-597
I include Mark E. Peterson, Marion G. Romney, and Gordon B. Hinckley below because their statements were made publicly in General Conference while teaching in their official capacity as Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Quotes from General Conference talk
Moroni came back from the dead, a resurrected man! He had lived in America some fifteen hundred years ago and was the sole survivor of his people in a series of tragic battles which took many lives.
As the fighting neared its end, Mormon gathered the remnant of his forces about a hill which they called Cumorah, located in what is now the western part of the state of New York. Their enemies, known as Lamanites, came against them on this hill.
When finished with the record, Moroni was to hide it up in that same Hill Cumorah which was their battlefield. It would come forth in modern times as the Book of Mormon, named after Moroni's father, the historian who compiled it.
Mormon then wrote directly to us as modern Americans who now occupy this promised land and said: How can ye stand before the power of God, except ye shall repent and turn from your evil ways?

Quotes from General Conference talk
Millennia ago he [Jesus] declared: There shall none come into this land, he was speaking of America, save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.
It is my purpose in making these remarks to point out from the record of ancient inhabitants of America that the foregoing decrees have been carried out.
In the western part of the state of New York near Palmyra is a prominent hill known as the hill Cumorah.... (Mormon 6:6) On July twenty-fifth of this year, as I stood on the crest of that hill admiring with awe the breathtaking panorama which stretched out before me on every hand, my mind reverted to the events which occurred in that vicinity some twenty-five centuries ago — events which brought to an end the great Jaredite nation.
For behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decree of God.... (Ether 2:7-10)
Pursuant to this decree concerning the land of America, the Jaredites were swept off in the manner we have reviewed, because, rebelling against the laws of Jesus Christ — the God of the land — they ripened in iniquity....
This second civilization to which I refer, the Nephites, flourished in America between 600 B.C. and A.D. 400. Their civilization came to an end for the same reason, at the same place, and in the same manner as did the Jaredites'.

Gordon B Hinckley,
An Angel from on High, the Long, Long Silence Broke, October 1979
Quotes from General Conference talk
We in this good land of America are now hearing much debate concerning the treaty designed to reduce the likelihood of nuclear attack on this continent. There is much talk of a balance of power and of a balance of terror. In the context of this current discussion I should like to read to you what the God of heaven said long ago concerning this land as recorded in the book of which we are speaking: Behold, this is a choice land , and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ... (Ether 2:12).
Gordon B Hinckley, October Conference, 1979
I include a letter in response to an inquiry regarding the location of the hill Cumorah. The letter was sent by the Secretary to the First Presidency with instructions from the First Presidency.

Letter from the Office of the First Presidency,
written by Secretary F. Michael Watson, October 16, 1990
Dear Bishop Brooks:
I have been asked to forward to you for acknowledgment and handling the enclosed copy of a letter to President Gordon B. Hinckley from Ronnie Sparks of your ward. Brother Sparks inquired about the location of the Hill Cumorah mentioned in the Book of Mormon, where the last battle between the Nephites and Lamanites took place.
The Church has long maintained, as attested to by references in the writings of General Authorities, that the Hill Cumorah in western New York state is the same as referenced in the Book of Mormon.
The Brethren appreciate your assistance in responding to this inquiry, and asked that you convey to Brother Sparks their commendation for his gospel study.
Sincerely yours,
F. Michael Watson
Secretary to the First Presidency
The following quote from L. Tom Perry shows that N1C is still relevant in more recent times. The church leaders give the "academics" all the rope and latitude they ask for and demand – while still themselves teaching the scriptures, the Prophets, and the N1C perspective.

The Tradition of Light and Testimony
The United States is the promised land foretold in the Book of Mormon — a place where divine guidance directed inspired men to create the conditions necessary for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was the birth of the United States of America that ushered out the Great Apostasy, when the earth was darkened by the absence of prophets and revealed light. It was no coincidence that the lovely morning of the First Vision occurred just a few decades after the establishment of the United States.
From a devotional address delivered on January 24, 2012, at Brigham Young University Idaho.
And there is more of evidence for N1C.
In contrast, zero prophets and zero scriptures testify in behalf of M2C.
Postscript:
A disingenuous M2C argument is "there is no archaeological evidence for the Book of Mormon in North America". What this often means is "we don’t see any ancient stone temples in North America". I don’t understand this because it is a fact that the Book of Mormon does not mention any such thing.
However, when early settlers came to America they found hundreds of thousands of mounds, massive earthworks, and old fortifications long ago abandoned. A number of these were carefully documented in Smithsonian field surveys and published in 1848 as Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley. Personal histories and newspaper accounts are common that describe the artifacts, earthworks, and mass burials that were found by the early settlers.
For information on Book of Mormon archaeology in North America a good place to start is LDS Archaeology.
Below is Heber C Kimball’s experience near the hill Cumorah. It is not atypical.

"In the towns of Bloomfield, Victor, Manchester, and in the regions round about, there were hills upon the tops of which were entrenchments and fortifications, and in them were human bones, axes, tomahawks, points of arrows, beads and pipes, which were frequently found; and it was a common occurrence in the country to plow up axes, which I have done many times myself. I have visited the fortifications on the tops of these hills frequently… The hill Cumorah is a high hill for that country and had the appearance of a fortification or entrenchment around it. In the State of New York, probably there are hundreds of these fortifications which are now visible, and I have seen them in many other parts of the United States."
2.2.2 Location of the Hill Cumorah
Modern day prophets have repeatedly and recently said that the United States is the promised land mentioned in the Book of Mormon. For example:
1 Nephi 2
20 And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands.
1 Nephi 22
7 And it meaneth that the time cometh that after all the house of Israel have been scattered and confounded, that the Lord God will raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles, yea, even upon the face of this land; and by them shall our seed be scattered.
L. Tom Perry, "The Tradition of Light and Testimony", January 23, 2012
The United States is the promised land foretold in the Book of Mormon, a place where divine guidance directed inspired men to create the conditions necessary for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was the birth of the United States of America that ushered out the Great Apostasy, when the earth was darkened by the absence of prophets and revealed light. It was no coincidence that the lovely morning of the First Vision occurred just a few decades after the establishment of the United States.
Even in the case of specific locations, there is one clear exception to "no official position". In my opinion it is the Hill Cumorah. The clearly stated position of modern Prophets, Seers, and Revelators has always been that the Hill Cumorah mentioned in the Book of Mormon is the same as the traditional site that Joseph Smith identified in northern New York State where he received the plates. Joseph Fielding Smith wrote extensively about this. James E. Talmadge, LeGrande Richards, B.H. Roberts, Bruce R McConkie, Marion G. Romney, George Albert Smith, Orson Pratt, and the Dedicatory Prayer of the Angel Moroni Monument have all indicated that the Book of Mormon events occurring at the "Hill Cumorah" is the same site in upper New York where Joseph Smith received the plates.
My faith is to believe in the words of the Prophets. Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith himself in their written histories referred to the locale of the final Nephite battles to be at the New York Hill Cumorah.
Doctrine and Covenants 128
And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets--the book to be revealed. ...
According to Lucy Mack Smith, it was the angel Moroni who first identified the hill with the plates as the "Hill of Cumorah" the first time he appeared to Joseph Smith. Was Lucy just "backfilling" in this information after the fact? There is no good reason, no evidence whatever for not accepting Lucy's statment at face value. Her testimony and recollection is simply in line with everyone else's understanding. Joseph Smith had kept his family informed, per the angels instructions. They were intensely interested and supportive.
Lucy Mack Smith History
[angel Moroni] "There is a record for you and Joseph, when you have learned to keep the commandments of God but you cannot get it until you learn to keep the commandments of God, for it is not to get gain for, but it is to bring forth that light and intelligence which has been long lost in the Earth. Now Joseph beware, when you go to get the plates your mind will be filled with darkness and all manner of evil will rush into your mind to keep you from keeping the commandments of God that you may not succeed in doing his work, and you must tell your father of this for he will believe every word you say. The record is on a side hill, on the Hill of Cumorah, 3 miles from this place. Remove the grass and moss and you will find a large flat stone. Pry that up and you will find the record under it laying on 4 pillars of cement." Then the angel left him.
See also N1C vs M2C
Letter VII
Written by Oliver Cowdery and published in the Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate with Joseph Smiths' approval and assistance, Letter VII identifies in detail that the hill Cumorah in New York is the same hill Cumorah of the Book of Mormon.
See "History, 1834—1836," p. 86, The Joseph Smith Papers, https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1834-1836/90
2.2.3 Location of Zarahemla
The location of Zarahemla is a starting point in constructing the Physical Model. The precise location of the city of Zarahemla is known thanks to Joseph Smiths' writings and modern revelation. It starts with the understanding that Zarahemla is in Iowa across the river from Nauvoo, Illinois. Doctrine and Covenants 125 So, according to the word of the Lord, the land opposite from Nauvoo is supposed to be called Zarahemla. Some may argue that Section 125 doesn't mean it was the same Zarahemla as the Book of Mormon Zarahemla, but the Lord doesn't designate names for places without a reason. In this case, I would say that Occam's Razor certainly applies, which means that the simpler explanation is the one that should be taken. In fact, there is no other good explanation for it. This interpretation is also compatible with a consistent scriptural pattern of Deity specifying proper names as a teaching device. For example, see Luke 1:11-14,57-64, Matthew 1:20-21, and DC 116:1. Another worthy argument for this interpretation is that the Lord does does not deceive or confuse. Therefore, if it was not the original Zarahemla I believe He would have indicated that in scripture by calling it by some other name or by saying the "New" Zarahemla, as He did with the "New" Jerusalem as consistently mentioned in the Doctrine And Covenants and Book of Mormon both. Ether 13 |
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2.3 Joseph Smith
The Prophet Joseph Smith knew all about the ancient lands of the Book of Mormon and Latter-day Saints should take the Joseph Smith at his word. He is not only a prophet, he is THE Prophet and Seer of the latter days. Joseph Smith knew all about Book of Mormon civilizations, their customs, and the location of their lands. In the famous Wentworth letter, written directly by Joseph Smith, he states:
Wentworth Letter
Joseph Smith, Wentworth Letter
I was also informed concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this country, and shown who they were, and from whence they came; a brief sketch of their origin, progress, civilization, laws, governments, of their righteousness and iniquity, and the blessings of God being finally withdrawn from them as a people was made known unto me: I was also told where there was deposited some plates on which were engraven an abridgment of the records of the ancient prophets that had existed on this continent. The angel appeared to me three times the same night and unfolded the same things. ...
So here we have the angel Moroni himself informing Joseph about his people, "the aboriginal inhabitants of this country". Not once, but three times repeated in one night. That seems pretty clear. Note especially that Joseph was not just told about the ancient inhabitants of this land but also "shown".
A careful reading of Joseph Smiths' History account of what happened the next morning also reveals that Moroni did not just talk to the young Joseph at this time but also "unfolded" to him visions:
Joseph Smith History
I left the field, and went to the place where the messenger had told me the plates were deposited; and owing to the distinctness of the vision which I had had concerning it, I knew the place the instant that I arrived there.
Urim and Thummim
Doctrine and Covenants 130 Joseph Knight Mosiah 8 |
![]() Joseph Smith had the Urim and Thummim that came with the gold plates, which allowed him to see into the past and view ancient Book of Mormon civilizations. |
Emma Smith and Lucy Mack Smith
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Lucy Mack SmithAccording to Joseph's mother, Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph had a detailed knowledge of the ancient Americans that he wrote about in the Wentworth Letter. Lucy Mack Smith |
Joseph Smith to Emma SmithJoseph Smith wrote the following in a letter to Emma Smith, during the Zions Camp march to Missouri: Joseph Smith |
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We have the statement above in Joseph's own handwriting. Also, there is no evidence whatever that Joseph Smith authored or approved the Times and Seasons articles in 1842 that erroneously linked discoveries in Central America to the Book of Mormon. He did not contradicted himself as regards to the location of Book of Mormon lands. All of Joseph Smiths' personal and signed writings are very clear.
2.4 Central and South America
Chronologically, the only time period in the Book of Mormon that contains significant detail as regards to history and geography is between 91 BC and 34 AD. That's only 125 years of the approximate 1000 year Nephite time span, so it's a mental mistake to project the 91 BC to 34 AD historical time period to the overall geographical extent of the people. However, even from the time of Helaman the people were reported to have spread to "cover all the earth" (Helaman 3:8) and most of this is not reported on in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon states plainly five times that not even "an hundredth part" of the history is being related (example, 3 Nephi 3:14).
From the perspective of archaeology the internal dating for Book of Mormon history does not match what is known to have occurred in Central America. For example, Wikipedia says:
In archaeology, the classic Maya collapse is the decline of Classic Maya civilization and the abandonment of Maya cities in the southern Maya lowlands of Mesoamerica between the 8th and 9th centuries, at the end of the Classic Maya Period. Preclassic Maya experienced a similar collapse in the 2nd century.
None of this comes even close to matching up with the chronology given to us in the Book of Mormon. Nevertheless, I believe there is a great history of the peoples of Central and South America and the islands of the Pacific, as yet untold. I believe they have the blood of the House of Israel in their ancestry. Descendants of Laman and Lemuel and sons of Ishmael surely migrated south to Mexico and South America as well as north to Canada. Even in the time of the Book of Mormon the people became widely dispersed (Helaman 3:8).The distance from the mouth of the Mississippi to Ontario Canada is the same as to Mexico City: 1400 miles. Additionally, other peoples and descendants of Israel were also lead by the hand of God to Central and South America, according to 3rd Nephi:
3 Nephi 16
1 And verily, verily, I say unto you that I have other sheep, which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister.
2 Nephi 29
11 For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.
12 For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.
13 And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews.
14 And it shall come to pass that my people, which are of the house of Israel, shall be gathered home unto the lands of their possessions; and my word also shall be gathered in one. And I will show unto them that fight against my word and against my people, who are of the house of Israel, that I am God, and that I covenanted with Abraham that I would remember his seed forever.
It appears that these words are written as an indication that the peoples of Central America and of South America "in the south" are of the House of Israel also. Jesus specifically says "all nations" and I do not believe He is given to hyperbole. Therefore I believe their traditions of a bearded God who came to their forefathers are true. We just don't have their sacred records, yet - but the records exist, or can be restored, and are promised to come forth.
Joseph Smith said of those in Central and South America:
...speaking of the Land of Zion, it consists of all North and South America but that any place where the Saints gather is Zion which every righteous man will build up for a place of safety for his children" The redemption of Zion is the redemption of all North and South America.
Jesus said that with faith we can understand and accept these things and that it is only our unbelief that keeps us from the truth.
3 Nephi 15
14 And not at any time hath the Father given me commandment that I should tell it unto your brethren at Jerusalem.
15 Neither at any time hath the Father given me commandment that I should tell unto them concerning the other tribes of the house of Israel, whom the Father hath led away out of the land.
16 This much did the Father command me, that I should tell unto them:
17 That other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
18 And now, because of stiffneckedness and unbelief they understood not my word; therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning this thing unto them.
19 But, verily, I say unto you that the Father hath commanded me, and I tell it unto you, that ye were separated from among them because of their iniquity; therefore it is because of their iniquity that they know not of you.
20 And verily, I say unto you again that the other tribes hath the Father separated from them; and it is because of their iniquity that they know not of them.
3 Logical Model — Book of Mormon Geography ... (6,1)
The ontology of the Logical Model is a representation of all the geographical information contained in the Book of Mormon, which is both systemic (integral to the whole) and systematic (organized to a set plan), — and it does not include a map. The purpose for having a Logical Model is to facilitate thoroughness, completeness, and to help compartmentalize information for the purpose of reducing bias. In it's final form, the Logical Model is also a quick reference and a working tool to validate Physical Models.
3.1 The Methodology ... (1)
The "Methodology" is the systematic application of procedures used to create the components of the Logical Model and the Physical Model. The methodology outlined below was used to construct a Logical Model of Book of Mormon geography AND the Zarahemla Centric Heartland Model map of the Book of Mormon. Yes, the Logical Model was actually created in it's entirety first, then the Physical Model was afterwards created. After the initial construction of a Physical Model, subsequent iterative improvements always start with the Logical Model and then "trickle down" to the Physical Model to keep it compatible.
Definitions:
- Entity: A named or described geographical reference in the Book of Mormon.
- Entity Relationships: How one entity relates to another. Example relationships: "is near to", "borders", "is a", "is located". etc
- Entity Relationship Nomenclature: A set of terms and symbols that help describe the Entity Relationships (see Section 3.4 Entity Relationship Table).
- Rule of Interpretation: A working theory on the meaning of Book of Mormon words or phraseology. Used when building the Logical Model. Example: The phrase "round about" indicates "circuitous or indirect, as a road, journey, method, statement or person."
- Rule of Application: A guiding principle used when constructing the physical model. Example: When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
- Logical Model = Entities + Entity Relationships + Rules of Interpretation.
- Physical Model = Maps consistant with: Logical Model + Rules of Application.
- Entity Relationship Table: The working list of all the entities and their relationships and presented with the Entity Relationship Nomenclature. For each Entity the table includes scripture citations, Entity-to-scripture cross references, Rules of Interpretation, Rules of Application, maps/graphics, and commentary. The components in the Entity Relationship Table referring to the Physical Model are for convenience in constructing the Physical Model. Originally, the Physical Model references were added only after the all the Entity Relationships were first defined.
Methodology:
- Build the Entity Relationships (Section 3.4 Entity Relationship Table) by examining the text of the Book of Mormon only. Focus on the text. Do not consider if an Entity Relationship conflicts with any current map and especially not with any archaeological considerations. Don't even think about any aspect of the Physical Model. The Logical Model defines the Physical Model and never vice-versa. Totally compartmentalize the LOGICAL from the PHYSICAL and deal with the LOGICAL first. This helps reduce bias and simplifies the overall tasks.
- For the Logical Model, formalize a set of Rules of Interpretation. If a Rule conflicts with any Entity Relationship, then it must be changed or removed. "Rules" are working theories. A Rule of Interpretation is not made invalid simply because it is not "proven" (it is a theory) or because it does not work with a given map - because a map is never source information for the Logical Model. In other words, Rules are working theories that guide research. The process is known as "Inference to the Best Explanation" and uses both Rules of Application and Rules of Interpretation to guide inferences. A Rule of Interpretation may be replaced by a better Rule. A Rule of Interpretation is removed if it is found to be conflicting with an Entity Relationship.
- For the Logical Model, define every known geographical Entity in the Book of Mormon. Leave nothing out. Every scrap of information is useful, contributes towards the whole, and must not be overlooked. This also eliminates the bias of leaving things out "for convenience".
- For the Physical Model create a list of Rules of Application. Entities are first placed on the Physical Model map to be consistent with the Entity Relationships Table and, secondarily, according to the Rules of Application. See Section 4.1 Building the Physical Model.
- To ensure consistency, the Entity Relationship table is parsed and the contents are placed into a database. Then a program is run to scan the database looking for any inconsistencies and also implied relationships that should be added. The results of the scan is used to validate the table and ensure updates to the table are appropriate.
- Test the result! This is done by reading the Skousen "Earliest Text" version of the Book of Mormon, including punctuation revisions outlined for Alma 22 (see section 4.2) and with the physical model map "in hand". Each reference to Book of Mormon geography, while reading and comparing to the map, must be understandable, plausible and non-contradictory to the reader.
3.1.1 Entity Relationship Nomenclature
There are several different varieties of Entity Relationship modeling, which was originally invented for modeling business processes. My version of ER modeling is adapted for the task of defining geographical entities for the Book of Mormon Logical Model. Here is the notation used:
- Square brackets [ ] specify the Entity Name, which is a geographical proper noun or feature. The Entity Name must include a Type in curly brackets, except when associating a Type with an Entity for the first time. For each Relationship line, the first Entity is the Object Entity and the second Entity is the Target. If the Object Entity Name is prefixed by a +, it means the entity relationship is used for map scoring.
Example: +[Zarahemla] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city}
Example: +[Zarahemla]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Sidon]{river}
- The Object is followed by a Relationship in angle brackets < >. Relationships are separated from Entities and Types by a ⇒ operator which means "indicates". Following the Relationship operator is the Target.
- The Relationship operator is followed by the Target which is a Type in curly brackets { } or another Entity Name and Type in square brackets and curly brackets [ ]{ }. The cardinality is normally 1 to 1 but if 1 to N then additional Targets are simply added on the end. Target Types may also have numeric superscripts which reference specific scripture citations.
- As a special case, distances are specified between two entities with the distance operator ~. And finally, the entire Relationship line may optionally be suffixed with the "according to" operator of ≈ following by the Interpretation or Application rule number, suffixed with a I or A.
Examples:
+[Zarahemla]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Sidon]{river14,16,18>
+[Antum]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Teancum]{city1,2}
+[Alma]{valley}~[Zarahemla]{city} ⇒ <distance> ⇒ {12 days2} ≈ IR4 AR7
- Each Entity name, as shown above, is also highlighted with a color, indicating early Nephite (Reign of Judges), late Nephite, Jaredite, or land feature.
3.2 Rules of Interpretation
Rules of Interpretation are set of Rules (postulates) governing how the text of the Book of Mormon in interpreted. They are working theories, not facts, on how to best read the Book of Mormon as regards to geographical references. To be accepted and remain valid, a Rule must be unanimously consistent with the ER Table — and thus, the text of the Book of Mormon itself. If not, then the Rule must be changed or removed.
The Entity Relationships table in Section 3.4, the Section 3.3 Rules of Application, and these Rules of Interpretation, together, form the Logical Model for Book of Mormon geography.
Rule | Description | Comments | Examples |
IR1 | When a modern place-name is associated with an ancient place-name in scripture or the writings of the prophets then that association is always honored. | We have two examples in scripture (see below) and many more in the writings of Joseph Smith and other modern prophets. For the many examples, see all of Section 2, and especially Section 2.2.1 The Book of Mormon in North America. This rule for scripture applies in two direct cases in the Book of Mormon: Cumorah and Zarahemla:
Doctrine and Covenants 128 Doctrine and Covenants 125 |
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IR2 | Assume a tightly controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text. |
A tight translation means that after Joseph read the text on the plates through his own inspired efforts, then the actual words of the Book of Mormon translation came via revelation to Joseph Smith via the Urim and Thummim. See Section 1.4 The Translation Process. In this scenario the dictation was error free as it came forth from the lips of Joseph Smith. Some errors were introduced by scribes during the dictation and also by the printer but almost all of these have now been corrected based on careful studies of the original manuscripts. The evidence for a "tight translation" is significant:
Joseph Smith The Book of Mormon itself indicates God's direct involvement in a tight translation: 2 Nephi 29 Ether 12 |
The tremendous speed of the Book of Mormon translation is strong evidence for a "tight" translation process. For example, it took Royal Skousen 21 years to determine the Book of Mormon emendations for the "Earliest Text". For the King James Version of the Bible, 6 committees of 52 learned men took 7 years. For the Book of Mormon, it was translated in 65 working days from between 7 April and 30 June 1829. There are 268,163 words in the Book of Mormon so 65 days at 8 hours a day (conjectured) is 515 words an hour or 8.5 words a minute. The process was for Joseph Smith to speak the words, Oliver Cowdery to write the words in long hand and then repeat back to Joseph and then correcting any errors. They were going just about a fast as possible while still being careful. See also Section 1.4 The Translation Process Where it effects geographical or historical references, The Book of Mormon, The Earliest Text version of the Book of Mormon is used on this website, as shown below.
For Mormon's "dissertation on geography" in Alma 22, versification and punctuation changes have been made to emphasize discrete descriptions rather than a long run-on sentence.
3 Nephi 3:22-24 is contradictory, as it appears to indicate the Nephites gathered together into the lands between Zarahemla and Bountiful whereas every other indication is that the entire population was concentrated into one central fortified location. The conflict is resolved with simple punctuation and versification changes shown below and to the right. It is important to understand the use of the word and as a Hebrew construct in the Book of Mormon. According to Royal Skousen*: "One interesting example of this Hebrew-like usage is the frequent occurrence in the earliest text of an extra and between the initial subordinate clause and its following main clause." The extra and is ungrammatical in Modern English and so is usually removed in new editions or, as in the case to the left, the extra and is hidden by the use of punctuation that is actually incorrect but has the sole virtue of hiding ungrammatical and connectives. * The Book of Mormon - Earliest Text, Editor's Preface, p xxxvi
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IR3 | When determining the meaning of a word, use the Oxford English Dictionary and word definitions that date prior to 1700 AD. | The vocabulary used in the Book of Mormon is King James "Bible English", sometimes called "Early Modern English". EME vocabulary is used throughout the Book of Mormon. However the sentence structure and idioms in the Book of Mormon are typically Hebraic in nature. For example the phrase "it came to pass" is Hebraic in origin as are the many examples of chiasmus. However, chiasmus and other Hebrew constructs do not help much with geography — but the correct Bible/EME word definitions can be very important. One example is "away" (as in "away to" or "away up") which in Early Modern English should be interpreted as "on the way". See also, examples from Royal Skousen in the next column. |
Here is what Royal Skousen says about Early Modern English regarding his work The Book of Mormon, The Earliest Text: Use of Early Modern English
Yet other word meanings in the Book of Mormon occurred in Early Modern English but are not found in the King James Bible, such as the following: • but if with the meaning 'unless, except' |
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IR4 | "Wilderness" areas are river bottom-land areas, and are therefore synonymous with "river", unless otherwise specified in the text. | An understanding of how this word is used is essential to understanding Book of Mormon geography. The Old English root of the word is "wild deer-ness" where ness indicates a state of being and the Early Modern English definition of wilderness is: "uninhabited region" or inhabited only by wild animals. A wilderness is therefore a term relating to state of an area for permanent human habitation and not associated with a particular climate. The Book of Mormon follows that definition. When Lehi leaves Jerusalem they travel down the Arabian peninsula in an arid desert which they call a wilderness. Later in America, there are no arid areas in the heartland of North America, yet there are frequent mentions of "wilderness". A good example of the usage of the word "wilderness" is Ether 10:21 (And they did preserve the land southward for a wilderness, to get game...) where the whole land southward becomes a "wilderness" simply because they choose to designate it as a game preserve instead of for human habitation. Also in Alma 2:37 it names a region "called Hermounts; and it was that part of the wilderness which was infested by wild and ravenous beasts". From the Book of Jacob onward, a wilderness is either an uninhabited forest region or river bottom-lands. It is much more frequently the latter case because there are lots of rivers in North America and their bottom lands are flood plains unsuitable for permanent habitation. In the Book of Mormon traveling is almost always done "in" the wilderness after departing "into" the wilderness. A common error is to assume that "wilderness" refers to mountains and hills, however the Book of Mormon describes these two types of terrain distinctly and does not conflate the two, which indicates they are not the same thing. See also IR2 (tight translation). 3 Nephi 3:20 20 Now the people said unto Gidgiddoni: Pray unto the Lord, and let us go up upon the mountains and into the wilderness, that we may fall upon the robbers and destroy them in their own lands. 3 Nephi 4:1 (see also 3 Nephi 1:27, 3 Nephi :17) 1 And it came to pass that in the latter end of the eighteenth year those armies of robbers had prepared for battle, and began to come down and to sally forth from the hills, and out of the mountains, and the wilderness, and their strongholds, and their secret places, and began to take possession of the lands, both which were in the land south and which were in the land north, and began to take possession of all the lands which had been deserted by the Nephites, and the cities which had been left desolate. |
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IR5 | Use the phrase "go up" for travel to a place that is apparently higher and the phrase "down to" to indicate travel to a place that is apparently lower. | One common phrase used in the Book of Mormon is to go "down to" and to go "up to" places of some distance apart. These phrases are used very consistently for each place-name and the list to the right summarizes all the occurrences and variations of going "up" and "down". "Higher" and "Lower" is determined by what would be most apparent to a traveler, especially a river traveler. So for example, city A downriver from city B would "to go down to A" (from B) and "to go up to B" (from A). If a city is located on a hill or valley then it may be also be consider 'up' or 'down' in that context. The further away two cities or lands are away from each other the more emphasis should be placed on local features in determining "up" or "down". |
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IR6 | The word "journey" indicates a trip of one day or more, otherwise the trip is less than one full day. For example, "came over to" means less than one day. | When one has a journey it appears consistent with the Book of Mormon usage to say that it is a process, taking some time. The word "journey" originally comes from the French, meaning "day". So, if someone "takes a journey" it means 1 or more days travel. This usage is consistent and compatible with the rest of the Logical Model. |
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IR7 | When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3). | This Application Rule will be controversial because there is no reason for it -- except -- that it works consistently well in multiple instances. This type of precise interpretation can be made if the translation process is considered a "tight" translation rather than a loose translation. See IR2. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IR8 | In the context of traveling, the phrase "round about" indicates "circuitous or indirect, as a road, journey, method, statement or person." | This definition goes back to the mid 1500's and is still commonly used. | Mosiah 22 11 And it came to pass that the people of king Limhi did depart by night into the wilderness with their flocks and their herds, and they went round about the land of Shilom in the wilderness, and bent their course towards the land of Zarahemla, being led by Ammon and his brethren. Alma 43 22 Behold, now it came to pass that they durst not come against the Nephites in the borders of Jershon; therefore they departed out of the land of Antionum into the wilderness, and took their journey round about in the wilderness, away by the head of the river Sidon, that they might come into the land of Manti and take possession of the land; for they did not suppose that the armies of Moroni would know whither they had gone. 24 And it came to pass that the word of the Lord came unto Alma, and Alma informed the messengers of Moroni, that the armies of the Lamanites were marching round about in the wilderness, that they might come over into the land of Manti, that they might commence an attack upon the weaker part of the people. And those messengers went and delivered the message unto Moroni. |
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IR9 | The word "hill" means an elevated area of land but without a clearly defined peak, whereas a "mount" is synonym for "mountain". The definition for mount, when in the context of a man-made earthwork or military structure is "mound". |
The Oxford English Dictionary definition of hill is: "A naturally raised area of land, not as high or craggy as a mountain." The distinction can be ambiguous in normal usage but a consistent Book of Mormon distinction for these words is reinforced by IR2 and the typical Early Modern English as found in the Bible. Also, under this definition a man made "mount" in the EME is called a "mound" in modern American English. Related word usage: Miriam Webster dictionary Mount 1 : a high hill : mountain - used especially before an identifying name Mount Everest 2 : archaic : earthwork 1 3 : mound 2a(1) Websters Dictionary, 1828 MOUNT, noun [Latin mons, literally a heap or an elevation.] 1. A mass of earth, or earth and rock, rising considerably above the common surface of the surrounding land. mount is used for an eminence or elevation of earth, indefinite in highth or size, and may be a hillock, hill or mountain. We apply it to mount Blanc, in Switzerland, to mount Tom and mount Holyoke, in Massachusetts, and it is applied in Scripture to the small hillocks on which sacrifice was offered as well as to mount Sinai. Jacob offered sacrifice on the mount or heap of stones raised for a witness between him and Laban. Genesis 31:21. 2. A mound; a bulwark for offense or defense. Hew ye down trees and cast a mount against Jerusalem. Jeremiah 6:6. 2 Nephi 26 Wikipedia Place of Arms A place-of-arms is any place in a fortification where troops can gather. The term has a number of meanings, but it generally refers to an enlarged area of the covertway designed as an assembly point for soldiers, or a square in the centre of a fortress, also known as a parade ground. Alma 47:5-14,18-20 There is a lot of warfare described in the Book of Mormon, including some detail on the fortifications which including ditches, walls, "heaps of earth", and guard towers. Another sample below. The Nephite fortifications as described are built on the same principle of English"motte-and-baily" fortifications, about a thousand years later (circa 900 AD - 1300 AD). I believe the majority of the 1000's of mounds found by the early European settlers in America were the remains of ancient fortifications. Just a sampling of the many fortifications that once existed are documented in Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley: Comprising the Results of Extensive Original Surveys and Explorations (1848) by the Americans Ephraim George Squier and Edwin Hamilton Davis. Alma 50:1-6 |
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3.3 Rules of Application
Rules of Application are a set of Rules (postulates) governing how the Physical Model is built after the Entity Relationships have been considered. They are working theories, on how topography, trade routes, distances, borders and other physical features are considered when constructing a map based on the Entity Relationships.
The Entity Relationships in Section 3.4 (ER Table), the Section 3.2 Rules of Interpretation, and this Section 3.4 Rules of Application, all together, form the Logical Model for Book of Mormon geography.
Rule | Description | Comments | Examples |
AR1 | When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains. | This has always been true of all civilizations, for travel, trade, and defense, especially in the era before mechanized transportation. | New York City, Chicago, Detroit, St Louis, Los Angeles. | |
AR2 | Water means everything as is the first and primary source of consideration when placing cities and lands. For large cities water had to be close by since it had to be carried for washing, drinking, and cooking. Water was also essential for travel and trade. Therefore, cities, lands, and travel routes are strategically placed on lakes and rivers as a first choice. This also applies to exploration, military travel, migrations, and missionary journeys in the Book of Mormon. | This follows logically from AR1. Anciently rivers were the great highways. When armies travel on land, they still follow rivers because they need to live off the land where there is game and water for men and draft animals. Rivers are the best way to provide provisions, reinforcements, communications, and evacuation for the wounded. Additionally, the alluvial plains are flat for ease of travel and building roads. Rivers typically lead naturally to populated areas that need defending. | ||
AR3 | Present day cities, towns, or features serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements. | Besides AR1, there are a variety of complicated factors in choosing land for a city, including the lay of the land, the depth of water channels, the quality of the soil, and how militarily defensible the location is. These factors did not vary much between the early settlers in America and the ancient Nephites. | ||
AR4 | Book of Mormon "lands" are located in the areas between the rivers so that the rivers serve as the natural borders. | Just like in modern times where large rivers form state boundaries, it would have been the same in Nephite times, only more so, because their "lands" were smaller than our "states". | ||
AR5 | Sites with archaeological remains are preferred as likely Book of Mormon sites if they are compatible with the Logical Model. | Using archaeology is important but always a secondary consideration when compared to the Book of Mormon text. | ||
AR6 | Average civilian travel marching distances are calculated at 8 hours traveling per day at 1.5 mph. | Distances in the Book of Mormon is always given in days, so it is necessary to have a set of travel formulas for land and water, for civilian, for military etc. Civilian travel distance is gauged from the accounts of pioneers who recorded that 15 miles a day was good time, better than average. It is a walking speed, with draft animals, and herds, with some baggage. Maximum travel time is eight hours after subtracting sleep, food preparation, camp set up and take down, and various emergencies that happen. | So, for example, a 10 day journey is 10*8*1.5 = 120 miles. A 120 mile trip is 120/(8*1.5) = 10 days | |
AR7 | Average military or emergency civilian travel marching distances are calculated at 8 hours traveling per day at 2.5 mph. | Soldiers travel faster, without women and children, the elderly, herds, and extra baggage. Civilian groups can travel at this speed also if emergency conditions require, like being chased by an enemy. | So, for example, a 10 day journey is 10*8*2.5 = 200 miles. A 200 mile trip is 200/(8*2.5) = 10 days. | |
AR8 | Water travel with no current, as in the Great Lakes, is calculated at an average speed of 8 hours traveling per day at 4 mph. | This is the average speed one could expect with a sail and/or rowing. | So, for example, a 10 day journey is 10*8*4 = 320 miles. A 320 mile trip is 320/(8*4) = 10 days. | |
AR9 | Water travel with the river current, is calculated at an average speed of 8 hours of traveling per day at 5 mph. | Water current averages about 1 mph so this is AR8 plus the water current speed. | So, for example, a 10 day journey is 10*8*5 = 400 miles. A 400 mile trip is 400/(8*5) = 10 days. | |
AR10 | Water travel against the river current, is calculated at an average speed of 8 hours traveling per day at 3 mph. | Water current averages about 1 mph so this is AR8 minus the water current speed. | So, for example, a 10 day journey is 10*8*3 = 240 miles. A 240 mile trip is 240/(8*3) = 10 days | |
AR11 | Unless indicated or implied otherwise in scripture, the current scientific consensus is assumed to be pre-eminent in matters of dating and geology and climate. | This is just another way of saying that the interpretation of physical evidence is not to be disregarded for convenience in building the logical model. So, in following this rule, climate must be assumed to be somewhat warmer in Book of Mormon times. Lakes, rivers, and mountains must be considered to be essentially the same as now unless contraindicated by direct physical evidence for the dating period. | Based on the best information currently available the Great Lakes had lower water levels in Book of Mormon times. The Book of Mormon classic period (the narrative from 282 BC to 34 AD) corresponds to the "Roman Warm Period" of 280 BC to 400 AD. Studies I have seen indicate that the grain/pollen of sediment cores indicate North America was also warmer and drier during this period. Warmer and drier = lower lake levels. For lake water levels in the recent prehistoric past we have official statements from the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department Of The Interior, By Leon M. Carl, Center Director. The findings are that there are lots of short term variability and cycles in the great lakes -- but there have been three main "high water" phases in the last 4700 years ago with the last one from 800 years ago to the present time. We are currently in an historic high water phase. There was a "low water level" period from 293 BC - 7 AD which corresponds to the Book of Mormon classic period. |
3.4 Entity Relationship Table
Entity Relationships for geography are represented with a nomenclature as defined in Section 3.1.2 Entity Relationship Nomenclature. Unlike the text, the Entity Relationships are relatively unambiguous and do not rely on context, grammar, punctuation, or archaic word definitions. Entity Relationship definitions should come from the study of the Book of Mormon text itself and from no other source. They are based on interpretation of the text according to the Rules of Interpretation (Section 3.2 Rules of Interpretation).
Navigation helps:
- Links with the dotted underline are actually pop-up windows. To activate a pop-up window click once on the link. If you're on a tablet with no mouse, then touch and hold.
- In the first column, underlined Entity names in [] brackets are internal links that take you directly to that Entity in the table.
- The camera icon in the last column is a pop-up window for pictures. To activate the picture pop-up window, click and hold. If you're on a tablet with no mouse then touch, swipe and hold.
Period : Entity
Relationships |
Notes | References (Click to view) |
Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Aaron +6
+[Aaron] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1,2} ≈ AR1 AR3 +[Aaron] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land2} +[Aaron]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [EastSea]{sea2} +[Aaron]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Moroni]{city2} +[Aaron]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Nephihah]{land2} +[Aaron]{land}} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Moroni]{land2}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The key verse is Alma 50:13-14 which gives information on the coastal cities along the "east sea"2 or Lake Michigan, and indicates the relative order (bottom to top - see Section 3.2 Rules of Interpretation, item 5) of the cities which is: (1) Moroni2; (2) Nephihah2; and (3) Aaron (Lehi comes later). Since both Moroni and Nephihah are specified as bordering the East Sea, then Aaron which borders both Moroni and Nephihah should also be at least near the East Sea. Note that these cities are founded and populated as part of a pre-determined plan by Moroni2. The final location of these cities are determined by assuming that the most favorable topography of Book of Mormon times would still match that of today (i.e. where rivers empty into Lake Michigan, see Section 3.2 Rules of Interpretation, IR3), which results in the placement of Aaron in the location of present day Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Sheboygan borders the east side of Lake Michigan about half way up. See also, Section 4.6.3 The Fall of Nephihah and the city Moroni.
Modern City Location: Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Geolocation: N 43° 45' 2.64", W 87° 42' 52.88" |
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Jaredite Era [~2170 BC to ~550 BC] : Ablom +5
+[Ablom] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {place3} ≈ AR3 +[Ablom]{place} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ {seashore4} +[Ablom]{place} ⇒ <east of> ⇒ [WhereNephitesDestroyed]{place2+4} +[Ablom]{place} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Antum]{land1+4} +[Ablom]{place} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Desolation2]{land2+3+4} +[Ablom]{place} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shim]{hill4}
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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Ablom is one of the Jaredite locations that has a cross reference to a Nephite location. It is stated as being east of "where the Nephites were destroyed" (See Section 4.8.1 Retreat from Zarahemla to Desolation). This, along with topography, makes it easier to identify. Thessalon Ontario is the best candidate and with a natural topography for shipping and trade.
Modern City Location: Thessalon, Ontario, Canada. Geolocation: N 46° 15' 17.961", W 83° 33' 59.617" |
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Jaredite Era [~2170 BC to ~550 BC] : Agosh +3
+[Agosh] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {plains1} ≈ AR3 +[Agosh]{plains} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Akish]{wilderness1} ≈ AR4 +[Agosh]{plains} ⇒ <near> ⇒ {seashore1}
IR4"Wilderness" areas are river bottom-land areas, and are therefore synonymous with "river", unless otherwise specified in the text.
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The plains of Agosh are mentioned as part of the last battles that brought down the Jaredite civilization. There is enough detail in this part of the book of Ether to determine the location for the plains of Agosh. The location for Agosh is tied closely to the wilderness of Akish. See Akish and the Goulais River. See also Section 4.9.2. Since Agosh is close to Akish there is only one possible location available.
Modern Place Location: South of Goulais River, Ontario, Canada. Geolocation: N 46° 42' 02.9",W 84° 23' 24.6" |
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Jaredite Era [~2170 BC to ~550 BC] : Akish +3
+[Akish] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {wilderness1} ≈ AR3 IR4 +[Akish]{wilderness} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [Desolation]{land1} ≈ AR3 +[Akish]{wilderness} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Agosh]{plains1} ≈ AR3 +[Akish]{wilderness} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Moron]{land1} ≈ AR3 +[Akish]{wilderness} ⇒ <near> ⇒ {seashore1} ≈ AR3
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
IR4"Wilderness" areas are river bottom-land areas, and are therefore synonymous with "river", unless otherwise specified in the text.
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To make a placement for Akish one has to find a large river near Moron that provides a distinct wilderness floodplain (see IR4 in Section 3.2 Rules of Interpretation) that can sequester an army for two years (food, water, and supplies are easier to obtain near a river). The river that fits this description is the Goulais River which is only about 10 miles north of Moron. Not only is the Goulais the largest river near Moron but it also has very distinct flood plain (wilderness) with broad plains (Agosh) to the south of it and also a seashore where it empties into the West Sea (Lake Superior). The addition of the plain and the seashore nearby make this placement for Akish a very good fit.
Modern Place Location: Goulais River bottom lands, Ontario, Canada. Geolocation: N 46° 43' 25.4", W 84° 23' 22.3" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Alma +6
+[Alma] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {valley2} ≈ AR3 +[Alma]{valley} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Amulon]{land2} +[Alma]{valley} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shemlon]{land2} +[Alma]{valley} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shilom]{land2} +[Alma]{valley}~[Helam]{land} ⇒ <distance> ⇒ {1 day1,2} ≈ IR4 IR6 AR7 +[Alma]{valley}~[Zarahemla]{city} ⇒ <distance> ⇒ {12 days wilderness2} ≈ IR4 AR7
IR4"Wilderness" areas are river bottom-land areas, and are therefore synonymous with "river", unless otherwise specified in the text.
IR6The word "journey" indicates a trip of one day or more, otherwise the trip is less than one full day. For example, "came over to" means less than one day.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
AR7Average military or emergency civilian travel marching distances are calculated at 8 hours traveling per day at 2.5 mph.
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The valley of Alma is stated to be one days travel from Helam2. It is north of Helam towards Nephi because Amulon, Shilom and Shemlon also mentioned as being in the vicinity, and are on the east side of the Sidon/Mississippi, across from Nephi. They "departed in the wilderness", meaning they followed the flat river bottom areas (see Section 3.2 Rules of Interpretation) from Helam. The distance from Helam to the valley of Alma shown is 10.39 miles. This distance is only one half days travel by land according to AR7, but some extra time should be added for the river crossing too. After thus narrowing it down, the topography indicates a prospective location of Valmeyer Illinois. Valmeyer was named after a German immigrant named Val-Meyer who first settled there. The name means: "The valley of the Meyers". From the Valley of Alma to the land of Zarahemla we have a distance given as 12 days, so this can help validate the location. Since they are fleeing the Lamanites, we utilize AR7. This yields the following formula and distance: 12 days x 8 hrs/day x 2.5 mph = 240 miles. The actual distance to Zarahemla following today's Mississippi is 230 miles so that shows the placement for the Valley of Alma is at the correct approximate distance from Zarahemla.
Modern City Location: Valmeyer, Illinois. Geolocation: N 38° 18' 32.5", W 90° 16' 41.4" |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() half a day for the river crossing plus one half day for travel by land according to AR7 in Section 3.3 Rules of Application. ![]() ![]() Zarahemla is 230 miles in 12 days which is about right according to AR7 in Section 3.3 Rules of Application. (Click/Touch, Swipe and Hold — for pictures) |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Ammonihah +11
+[Ammonihah] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1,3,5} ≈ AR3 +[Ammonihah] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,2,4,5} +[Ammonihah]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Noah]{city5} +[Ammonihah]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Noah]{land3,5} +[Ammonihah]{city} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Melek]{land1} +[Ammonihah]{city} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [BordersOfNephites]{feature5+6} +[Ammonihah]{city}~[Melek]{land} ⇒ <distance> ⇒ {3 days1} ≈ AR10 +[Ammonihah]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land4} +[Ammonihah]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Noah]{land5} +[Ammonihah]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Sidom]{land2} ≈ IR6 +[Ammonihah]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ {wilderness side borders1,3,5} ≈ IR4
IR4"Wilderness" areas are river bottom-land areas, and are therefore synonymous with "river", unless otherwise specified in the text.
IR6The word "journey" indicates a trip of one day or more, otherwise the trip is less than one full day. For example, "came over to" means less than one day.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
AR10Water travel against the river current, is calculated at an average speed of 8 hours traveling per day at 3 mph.
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The distance from Melek to Ammonihah is stated as 3 days journey. From AR10, the Iowa River journey upstream from Toolsboro Iowa (Melek) to Coralville Iowa (Ammonihah) is calculated as 8 hrs X 3 mph X 3 days = 72 miles. The actual (google map trace) distance on the Book of Mormon map, following the river, is precisely 75.5 miles so that is an excellent fit. The scriptures refer to the "borders on the wilderness side" and the close proximity of the city of Noah. See Section 4.4.3 Journeys of Alma II for information on the related topography. Modern City Location: Coralville, Iowa. Geolocation: N 41° 41' 37.5", W 91° 35' 41.3" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Amulon +9
+[Amulon] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,3} +[Amulon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Alma]{valley2} +[Amulon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Helam]{land1} ≈ IR4 +[Amulon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jerusalem]{city3} ≈ IR6 +[Amulon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jerusalem]{land3} ≈ IR6 +[Amulon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Midian]{land4} ≈ IR6 +[Amulon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Mormon]{land3} +[Amulon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Nephi]{land1} ≈ IR4 +[Amulon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shemlon]{land2} +[Amulon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shilom]{land2}
IR4"Wilderness" areas are river bottom-land areas, and are therefore synonymous with "river", unless otherwise specified in the text.
IR6The word "journey" indicates a trip of one day or more, otherwise the trip is less than one full day. For example, "came over to" means less than one day.
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The land of Amulon, named by Lamanites and where they found the priests of King Noah, is placed not to far from the city of Nephi just across the river on the east side and a little south of Nephi. This relative location becomes desirable by a process of elimination and when considering the locations of Helam, Shemlon, and Shilom, and keeping in mind that Amulon was occupied by the priests of King Noah who fled out of the city of Nephi - so it's likely close to the city of Nephi. See Section 4.3.4 East of Nephi.
Modern Land Location: East of Dupo, Illinois. Geolocation: N 38° 31' 17.4", W 90° 14' 06.2" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Amnihu +4
+[Amnihu] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {hill1} +[Amnihu]{hill} ⇒ <east of> ⇒ [Sidon]{river1} +[Amnihu]{hill} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Sidon]{river1} ≈ AR1 +[Amnihu]{hill} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1} ≈ AR1 AR3
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The Hill Amnihu, on the east side of the river across from Zarahemla, the highest point being where the Nauvoo Temple is located today. See the battle maps for Section 4.4.2 Amlicite War - Battle of Zarahemla Amlicite War - Battle of Zarahemla. Early Latter-day Saints found mounds, burials and ancient artifacts in Nauvoo.
Modern City Location: Temple site, Nauvoo, Illinois. Geolocation: N 40° 33' 01.6", W 91° 23' 03.6" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Ani-Anti +3
+[Ani-Anti]{village} ⇒ <is> ⇒ {village1} ≈ AR1 AR3 +[Ani-Anti]{village}~[Jerusalem]{city} ⇒ <distance> ⇒ {<1 day1} ≈ IR6 +[Ani-Anti]{village} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Middoni]{land1} ≈ IR6
IR6The word "journey" indicates a trip of one day or more, otherwise the trip is less than one full day. For example, "came over to" means less than one day.
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The description of Aaron's missionary journey provides information regarding Ani-Anti and it's relative location on the west side of the Sidon river. It is consistent with the Logical Model to say that "came over" indicates crossing the river. See Section 4.3.3 Missionary Journey of Ammon, Aaron, Muloki and Ammah Missionary Journey which contains a detailed map that allows Ani-Anti to be placed.
Modern City Location: Columbia, Illinois. Geolocation: N 38° 27' 32.6", W 90° 12' 50.4" |
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Late History [314 AD to 420 AD] : Angola +4
+[Angola]{city} ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1} ≈ AR1 AR2 AR3 +[Angola]{city} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1} +[Angola]{city} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Joshua]{land1} +[Angola]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [David]{land1}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR2Trade and travel routes are on lakes and rivers as a first choice. This applies to exploration, military travel, migrations, and missionary journeys in the Book of Mormon.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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This is a new city named at the end of the Book of Mormon narrative. Mormon says the final conflict begins in Zarahemla and that Mormon's army retreats, step by step, to the north countries and end up eventually in the land of Desolation. So given the framework of the logical model, it is just a matter of deducing the most logical route from Zarahemla to Desolation to propose locations for Angola, Joshua, and David. The proposed route is to first head north from Zarahemla in the direction of the Mississippi (Sidon) and then north in the direction of the Rock River until reaching Janesville Wisconsin (David), then an overland trip of 60 miles to South Milwaukee (Joshua) and finally, multiple sea trips from Joshua to the narrow passage (Detour Passage) leading to the land and city of Desolation.
Modern City Location: Davenport/Milan, Illinois. Geolocation: N 41° 29' 14.5", W 90° 34' 28.5" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Antionum +11
+[Antionum] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,4} ≈ AR4 +[Antionum]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Jershon]{land4} +[Antionum]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ {wilderness south1} ≈ IR4 +[Antionum]{land} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Onidah]{hill1,2} +[Antionum]{land} ⇒ <east of> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1} +[Antionum]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [EastWilderness]{travel route1,5} ≈ IR4 +[Antionum]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Siron]{land1,3} ≈ IR6 +[Antionum]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒{seashore1} +[Antionum]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Siron]{land1,3} ≈ IR6 +[Antionum]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Jershon]{land1,4} +[Antionum]{land} ⇒ <has> ⇒ {gathering place1,2,4}
IR4"Wilderness" areas are river bottom-land areas, and are therefore synonymous with "river", unless otherwise specified in the text.
IR6The word "journey" indicates a trip of one day or more, otherwise the trip is less than one full day. For example, "came over to" means less than one day.
IR8The phrase "round about" indicates "circuitous or indirect, as a road, journey, method, statement or person."
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR4Book of Mormon "lands" are located in the areas between the rivers so that the rivers serve as the natural borders.
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Antionum is a vast swath of land that lies between the Illinois river on the south and east and to the Mississippi on the west - basically the land between Nauvoo and Peoria Illinois but then it turns east and extends further towards lake Michigan. In Book of Mormon times, during the Reign of the Judges Antionum was the land of the Zoramites. Coming up the Illinois river (wilderness south) was a common invasion route for the Lamanites. This area was frequently mentioned in the military campaigns of "captain" Moroni. A place where the Zoramites were "gathered" is mentioned for the land of Antionum but is not named as a city. The unnamed place contained the Rameumptum and was also near to the hill Onidah where Alma preached. See Section 4.4.3 Journeys of Alma II, 4.4.5, 4.4.6, and 4.5.2.
Modern Land Location: most of northeastern Illinois. Geolocation: N 40° 34' 38.5", W 90° 31' 48.1" Modern City Location: Peoria, Illinois. Geolocation: N 40° 42 '32.1", W 90° 24' 44.0" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Antiparah +14
+[Antiparah] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city2,3} ≈ AR3 +[Antiparah]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [CityBySeashore]{city2} +[Antiparah]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Cumeni]{city1,2} +[Antiparah]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Judea]{city2} +[Antiparah]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Manti]{city1,2} +[Antiparah]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [SidonHead]{place2} +[Antiparah]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Zeezrom]{city1,2} +[Antiparah]{city} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Cumeni]{city1,2} ≈ IR7 +[Antiparah]{city} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Judea]{city2} ≈ IR7 +[Antiparah]{city} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Manti]{city2} ≈ IR7 +[Antiparah]{city} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Zeezrom]{city1,2} ≈ IR7 +[Antiparah]{city} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [CityBySeashore]{city2} +[Antiparah]{city} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [WestSea]{sea1} ≈ IR7 +[Antiparah]{city} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [BordersOfNephites]{feature1+4}
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The campaign of the "stripling soldiers" provides lots of geographic information. IR7 and AR3 indicate Antiparah is up north nearly to Lake Superior at present day Salon Springs Wisconsin which is also next to Upper St Croix Lake, the source of the Sidon river. See SidonHead. When the Lamanites flee Antiparah it is a simple matter for them to float down river to the other cities they have possession of. See the campaign maps in Section 4.5.3 War of Amalickiah - Stripling Soldiers.
Modern City Location: Salon Springs, Wisconsin. Geolocation: W 46° 21' 03.2", 91° 48' 54.0" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Antipas +4
+[Antipas] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {mount1} ≈ IR2 IR9 AR5 AR9 +[Antipas]{mount} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ {valley1} +[Antipas]{mount} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [Oneidah]{place of arms1} ≈ IR9 +[Antipas]{mount} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [Nephi]{land1}
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
AR5Sites with archaeological remains are preferred as likely Book of Mormon sites if they are compatible with the Logical Model.
IR9The word "hill" means an elevated area of land but without a clearly defined peak, whereas a "mount" is a natural or man-made structure that has a clearly defined summit or as part of a fortified location.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The Hebraic root meaning for the name "Antipas" is "for all, or against all" which ties in well for a gathering place named "Oneidah" the "place of arms" (where troops gather). Antipas is therefore clearly a fortified location and not a "mountain". As to the location of the fortified Antipas mount we know it to be in the land of Nephi and probably not far from the king near the capital city of Nephi. The ancient mounds once at East St Louis (destroyed in late 1800's) are a logical location for Antipas and Oneidah, the place-of-arms. See also, IR9 in Section 3.2 Rules of Interpretation.
Modern City Location: St Louis, Missouri. Geolocation: W 46° 21' 03.2", W 91° 48' 54.0" |
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Late History [314 AD to 420 AD] : Antum +9
+[Antum] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1} ≈ IR9 +[Antum]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1} +[Antum]{land} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Shim]{hill1} +[Antum]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Ablom]{place1+5} +[Antum]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Teancum]{city1+2+3} +[Antum]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jashon]{land1,2} +[Antum]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jordan]{city3,4} +[Antum]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Desolation2]{city1,3} +[Antum]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Desolation2]{land1,3} +[Antum]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ {seashore1+3,5} +[Antum]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Boaz]{city1+2+3}
IR9The word "hill" means an elevated area of land but without a clearly defined peak, whereas a "mount" is a natural or man-made structure that has a clearly defined summit or as part of a fortified location.
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Because the hill Shim is located in the land of Antum, the location of hill Shim applies to the location of the land of Antum also. Antum is included because Mormon travels to Antum from Jordan by water (the hill Shim is in the land of Antum) to retrieve the plates. See Section 4.8.2 War in Land of Desolation. A common mistake is to place Shim in the land of Cumorah simply because the Nephite records were at one time deposited at Shim and because it is near to "the place where the Nephites were destroyed". However, Shim is in the land of Antum and not the land of Cumorah. Chronologically, the "place where the Nephites were destroyed" in Ether 9:3 refers to events of Mormon 4 which was the time of the major Nephite defeats where the war was lost. This was 9 years before the final Cumorah battle.
Modern Land Location: Between Echo Bay and East Neebish Island, Ontario, Canada. Geolocation: N 46° 16' 48.2", W 84° 09' 27.2" |
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Late History [314 AD to 420 AD] : Boaz +6
+[Boaz] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city2} ≈ AR2 AR3 +[Boaz]{city} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [WhereNephitesDestroyed]{place2+3+4} +[Boaz]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Antum]{land1+2} +[Boaz]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shim]{hill1+2} +[Boaz]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jordan]{city2,3} +[Boaz]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Desolation2]{city1+2} +[Boaz]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Desolation2]{land2}
AR2Trade and travel routes are on lakes and rivers as a first choice. This applies to exploration, military travel, migrations, and missionary journeys in the Book of Mormon.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The city of Boaz is apparently outside the land of Desolation2 and therefore on the mainland of Ontario Canada. Keep in mind that the hill Shim is actually within the land of Antum and knowing this allows the relationship of Boaz to Antum. It would have been just a little jump to leave the north end of St Joseph island, crossing where Highway 548 (Bridge Road) goes today. According to the rules of application, Boaz is placed near the sea in the most (in my opinion) advantageous position on the mainland.
Modern City Location: Thessalon, Ontario, Canada. Geolocation: N 46° 15' 15.0", W 83° 33' 47.2" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : BordersOfNephites +14
+[BordersOfNephites] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {feature2} ≈ AR3 +[BordersOfNephites]{feature} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Ammonihah]{city1+2,8} +[BordersOfNephites]{feature} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Antiparah]{city8,9} +[BordersOfNephites]{feature} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Bountiful]{city4,5} +[BordersOfNephites]{feature} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Cumeni]{city8,9} +[BordersOfNephites]{feature} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Gid]{city8,3,5} +[BordersOfNephites]{feature} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Lehi]{city8,3,6,7} +[BordersOfNephites]{feature} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Manti]{city8,9} +[BordersOfNephites]{feature} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Morionton]{city8,3,6} +[BordersOfNephites]{feature} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Moroni]{city8,3,6} +[BordersOfNephites]{feature} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Mulek]{city8} +[BordersOfNephites]{feature} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Nephihah]{city8,6,7} +[BordersOfNephites]{feature} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Noah]{city1+2,8} +[BordersOfNephites]{feature} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Omner]{city8,3} +[BordersOfNephites]{feature} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Zeezrom]{city8,9}
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The Nephites considered themselves a country and a nation with borders. These borders, as they existed during the Reign of the Judges are mentioned several times and specifically described, first in Alma 22 and later in Helaman 1:19,26. The Nephite borders are mentioned in the story of Coriantumr who suddenly invaded the central capital city of Zarahemla. Helaman says "hitherto" they had attacked just the cities on the borders of the land. That is an important clue because just prior to Coriantumrs' invasion was the great war started by Amalickiah and carried on by his brother Ammoron. In that war we have a lot of battle details regard the cities that were attacked and defended and now Helaman 1:19,26 tells us that all these cities were in the borders of the land. So the cities thus identified are: Ammonihah, Bountiful, Gid, Lehi, Morionton, Moroni, Mulek, Nephihah, Noah, and Omner. If you look at the ZCHM map in Section 1.1 you will see that all these cities are indeed border cities. |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Bountiful +21
+[Bountiful] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1,3} ≈ AR1 AR3 +[Bountiful] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land2,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11} +[Bountiful]{city} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [BordersOfNephites]{feature8+12+13} +[Bountiful]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Gid]{city3} +[Bountiful]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Mulek]{city3} +[Bountiful]{land} ⇒ <has> ⇒ {fortified line2} +[Bountiful]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [LineBountifulDesolation]{passage4,8,9} +[Bountiful]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [EastSea]{sea2,4,7} +[Bountiful]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Desolation]{land4,9} +[Bountiful]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Hagoth]{ships9} +[Bountiful]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Jershon]{land5} +[Bountiful]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [NarrowPass]{sea route7,8} +[Bountiful]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [WestSea]{sea2,4} ≈ AR2 +[Bountiful]{land} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [NeckOfLand]{land4,9} +[Bountiful]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [WestSea]{sea2,4,7} +[Bountiful]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Jershon]{land5} ≈ AR4 +[Bountiful]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Morionton]{land7} +[Bountiful]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1,2,6} +[Bountiful]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Desolation]{land4} [Bountiful] ⇒ <has> ⇒ {Temple11}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR2Trade and travel routes are on lakes and rivers as a first choice. This applies to exploration, military travel, migrations, and missionary journeys in the Book of Mormon.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
AR4Book of Mormon "lands" are located in the areas between the rivers so that the rivers serve as the natural borders.
AR7Average military or emergency civilian travel marching distances are calculated at 8 hours traveling per day at 2.5 mph.
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The city of Bountiful is placed where the modern city of Sault Ste. Marie (SOO-seint-ma-REE), is located. This is an extremely important location for trade transportation as it controls access between Lake Superior (the West Sea) and Lake Michigan/Huron (the East Sea). It also sits on the border between the land of Bountiful and the land of Desolation, which is the same border that divides the United States and Canada today. For the Nephites, precious metals from the Keweenaw peninsula and other Lake Superior sites would have been available and shipped south through Bountiful. The Book of Mormon states explicitly (Helaman 3:10,14) that wood was shipped north and so would have gone by/through this city of Bountiful also. The part of the land of Bountiful referred to as the "narrow neck of land" is spoken of in the Book of Mormon and is what is known as "Upper Michigan" today. The actual location for Bountiful is as certain as it can be. It is the most described locale of any in the Book of Mormon outside of Nephi and Zarahemla. The 63 mile Bountiful/Desolation border (east sea to west sea) is a water border of 1.5 days journey "for a Nephite". Included near this water border is a 1 days journey fortified stretch of land on the west side (see purple line) that protects the areas where the water border can be most easily crossed. This entire border water-way was so important for trade and military strategy that it was never occupied by Lamanites until the Nephites were defeated there in Mormon's time around 400 AD.
Modern Land Location: Upper Michigan. Geolocation: N 46° 08' 54.5", W 87° 21' 00.3". Modern City Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Geolocation: N 46° 29' 57.4", W 84° 21' 20.0" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : CityBySeashore +8
+[CityBySeashore] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1} ≈ AR1 +[CityBySeashore]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [WestSea]{sea1,2} +[CityBySeashore]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Antiparah]{city2} ≈ IR7 +[CityBySeashore]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Cumeni]{city2} ≈ IR7 +[CityBySeashore]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Judea]{city2} ≈ IR7 +[CityBySeashore]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Manti]{city2} ≈ IR7 +[CityBySeashore]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Zeezrom]{city1+2} ≈ IR7 +[CityBySeashore]{city} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Antiparah]{city1,2}
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
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During the campaign of the stripling soldiers a city is mentioned as being beyond Antiparah on the west sea. From a trade route perspective such an outpost would be important for trade on Lake Superior. The city is never mentioned by name but we know it is "beyond" Antiparah, borders the west sea, and is held by the Nephites. See the campaign maps in Section 4.5.3 War of Amalickiah - Stripling Soldiers.
Modern Feature Location: Mouth of the Bois Brule River, Wisconsin. Geolocation: N 46° 44' 50.9", W 91° 36' 38.3" |
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Jaredite Era [~2170 BC to ~550 BC] : Comnor +3
+[Comnor] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {hill1} +[Comnor]{hill} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [Shurr]{valley1} ≈ AR3 +[Comnor]{hill} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [Corihor]{land1} ≈ AR3
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The highly defensible Sugar Island right next to the land of Moron is the proposed location of the land of Corihor. It has two valleys (Corihor and Shurr) and a hill (Comnor) that can match the description.
Modern Place Location: Sugar Island, Michigan. Geolocation: N 46° 28' 07.5", W 84° 12' 48.5" |
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Jaredite Era [~2170 BC to ~550 BC] : Corihor +7
+[Corihor] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1} +[Corihor] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {valley1} +[Corihor]{land} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Shurr]{valley1} ≈ AR3 +[Corihor]{land} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Comnor]{hill1} ≈ AR3 +[Corihor]{land} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Corihor]{valley1} ≈ AR3 +[Corihor]{valley} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Shurr]{valley1} +[Corihor]{valley} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [Corihor]{land1}
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The highly defensible Sugar Island right next to the land of Moron is the proposed location of the land of Corihor. It has two valleys (Corihor and Shurr) and a hill (Comnor) that match the description.
Modern Place Location: Sugar Island, Michigan. Geolocation: N 46° 28' 07.5", W 84° 12' 48.5" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Cumeni +9
+[Cumeni] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city2,3} ≈ AR1 +[Cumeni]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Antiparah]{city2} ≈ IR7 +[Cumeni]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [CityBySeashore]{city2,1} +[Cumeni]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Judea]{city2,3} +[Cumeni]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Manti]{city2} ≈ IR7 +[Cumeni]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Zeezrom]{city2} ≈ IR7 +[Cumeni]{city} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Antiparah]{city2} ≈ IR7 +[Cumeni]{city} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [WestSea]{sea1,2} +[Cumeni]{city} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [BordersOfNephites]{feature1+4}
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
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See Section 4.5.3 War of Amalickiah - Stripling Soldiers for the campaigns of the stripling soldiers. In Alma 56, all of these cities are on or near the Sidon river (St Croix river to us) as it turns and heads towards Lake Superior. The cities appear to be listed in order, from south to north (i.e. bottom to top - see Section 3.2 Rules of Interpretation, item 5) as Manti, Zeezrom, Cumeni, and Antiparah. See also Section 3.5.2 for the course of the Sidon river and the continental divide at Salon Springs (the head of the Sidon). In Alma 57, provisions are mentioned as arriving from Zarahemla and Lamanite prisoners are mentioned as being sent to Zarahemla. Logically this transportation occurs on the Sidon river and is just a float trip as there are no waterfalls between Cumeni and Zarahemla requiring portage. So it is an easy trip, albeit a long one of about 600 miles.
Modern City Location: Danbury, Wisconsin. Geolocation: N 46° 00' 23.1",W 92° 22' 17.6" |
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Late History [314 AD to 420 AD] : Cumorah +6
+[Cumorah] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {hill1,2,4} ≈ IR1 AR3 +[Cumorah] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land2,3} +[Cumorah]{hill} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Ogath]{place4} +[Cumorah]{hill} ⇒ <is> ⇒ [Ramah]{hill2+4} +[Cumorah]{hill} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Ripliancum]{waters4} +[Cumorah]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Ripliancum]{waters4}
IR1When a modern place-name is associated with an ancient place-name in scripture or the writings of the prophets then that association is always honored.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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Cumorah is one of anchor points of Book of Mormon Geography. We know exactly where it is from scripture and Church history. Anyone who is familiar with the construction of the Erie Canal would know well why the final gathering place for both the Nephites and Jaredites would be in upper New York (see video below). From the Atlantic seaboard, Upper New York and the path through Cumorah is the gateway to the heartland of America. From the east you have to get around the barrier of the Appalachians to conveniently travel the center of the continent — and the upper New York corridor, reached via the Hudson river is the best way to do it. From the Nephite point of view the same logic is in play, only in reverse. They started in the west and gathered to the east. Cumorah is a natural gathering place because from the west, by ship, one can travel to New York and Cumorah from any location on or near the Great Lakes and if you're coming from the east you can get there by traveling along the Atlantic coast and up the Hudson river. Coming from the Great Lakes, there are no portages to stop you until you get to Niagara falls. From there you can portage around Niagra or simply head overland to the Cumorah area. Palmyra was an Erie Canal town and only 4 miles from the hill Cumorah (3 miles from the Smith family farm). If traveling overland from Buffalo/Niagara the best route is along what is today's east/west Highway 90 that leads thru Manchester which is only 2 miles from the hill Cumorah. Cumorah is 106 miles from the portage location at Rome NY* to the east where the Erie Canal started and 104 miles from Niagra (95 miles from Buffalo NY) to the west. The land of Cumorah is the perfect central location and the hill Cumorah itself is, as Joseph Smith described, "a hill of considerable size, and the most elevated of any in the neighborhood". All these geographical reason's for the Nephites choosing the land of Cumorah are the same reasons that the Jaredites had for the same location. Also, in both cases, there was a truce period for gathering the people together and both Nephites and Jaredites needed to pick the location that was easiest to access from the both the west and the east. The hill Ramah (Jaredites) and the hill Cumorah (Nephites) are the same hill.
Modern Place Location: Hill Cumorah, New York. Geolocation: N 43° 00' 23.1", W 77° 13' 27.7" * According to wikipedia "Rome was founded along an ancient Native American portage path known as the Oneida Carrying Place, Deo-Wain-Sta, or The Great Carrying Place to the Six Nations (Iroquois) or Haudenosaunee people, in their language.
Upper New York and the Erie Canal
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Late History [314 AD to 420 AD] : David +4
+[David] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1} +[David]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Angola]{city1} +[David]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Joshua]{land1} +[David]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1}
AR2Trade and travel routes are on lakes and rivers as a first choice. This applies to exploration, military travel, migrations, and missionary journeys in the Book of Mormon.
AR4Book of Mormon "lands" are located in the areas between the rivers so that the rivers serve as the natural borders.
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The Book of Mormon history picks up again nearly 300 years after the coming of Christ. It is to be expected there are new lands and cities with some new names too, and the Book of Mormon narrative seems to indicate that. We do know that the final conflict begins in Zarahemla and that Mormon's army retreats, step by step, to the north countries and end up eventually at Jashon in the land of Desolation. We're not given any details but the logical model combined with the physical topography provides the most direct and logical routes from Zarahemla to Angola to David to Joshua and finally to Jashon in the land of Desolation. The logical route is to first head north from Zarahemla in the direction of the Mississippi (Sidon) and then north in the direction of the Rock River until reaching Janesville Wisconsin (David).
Modern City Location: Janesville, Wisconsin. Geolocation: N 42° 41' 10.0", W 89° 01' 13.1" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Desolation +10
+[Desolation] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,2,3,4,5,6} ≈ AR1 +[Desolation]{land} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Moron]{land6+7+9} ≈ AR1 +[Desolation]{land} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Akish]{wilderness6+7+9} ≈ AR1 +[Desolation]{land} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [GreatJarediteCity]{city1+8+9+10} ≈ AR1 +[Desolation]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Bountiful]{land1,4,5} ≈ AR1 +[Desolation]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [LineBountifulDesolation]{passage1,3,4,5} +[Desolation]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [EastSea]{sea1,3} +[Desolation]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [NeckOfLand]{land1,4} +[Desolation]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [WestSea]{sea1,3,4} +[Desolation]{land} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [NarrowPass]{sea route3} +[Desolation]{land} ⇒ <has not> ⇒ {timber6} +[Desolation]{land} ⇒ <has> ⇒ {Jaredite destruction1,6} +[Desolation]{land} ⇒ <has> ⇒ {mass migration6} +[Desolation]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Hagoth]{ships4} +[Desolation]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Bountiful]{land1,2} +[Desolation]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ {Nephite lands1,3,4,6}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
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The land of Desolation was named after the many destroyed remains of the Jaredite nation that were found there and also because of the lack of timber, which had all been used up by the Jaredites. Today Desolation is within the Canadian province of Ontario. Because the land of Bountiful is so well attested, the border where the land Desolation is also not in doubt.
Modern Land Location: Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Geolocation: N 46° 39' 37.3", W 83° 53' 42.3" |
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Late History [314 AD to 420 AD] : Desolation2 +18
+[Desolation2] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city3,4} ≈ AR1 AR2 AR4 +[Desolation2] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,3,4} ≈ AR2 AR4 +[Desolation2]{city} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [WhereNephitesDestroyed]{place3,4,7+8} +[Desolation2]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Antum]{land2,4} +[Desolation2]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Boaz]{city4} +[Desolation2]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Moriantum]{place6+7} +[Desolation2]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Sherrizah]{tower6+7} +[Desolation2]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Teancum]{city4} +[Desolation2]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [NarrowPass]{sea route1,3} +[Desolation2]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ {the sea1,3,4} +[Desolation2]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Ablom]{place8} +[Desolation2]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Moron]{land9} +[Desolation2]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Antum]{land2,4} +[Desolation2]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jordan]{city5} +[Desolation2]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shim]{hill2,4+8} +[Desolation2]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Teancum]{city4}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR2Trade and travel routes are on lakes and rivers as a first choice. This applies to exploration, military travel, migrations, and missionary journeys in the Book of Mormon.
AR4Book of Mormon "lands" are located in the areas between the rivers so that the rivers serve as the natural borders.
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In the early (classic) period, Desolation referred a larger area of land representing a chunk of Ontario Canada all along the St Marys river and beyond. 400+ years later, in the late period, the name Desolation (entity name for the late period is Desolation2) is a much more specific area. It is basically the first thing you would see after traveling "by the sea" through the "narrow pass which led to the land northward" (Du Tour Passage). For the Nephites, Desolation2 is a very strategic spot and, being an island, a very good place for defense. Major battles were fought here. It was "home base" for the Nephites and after it fell (Mormon 4:16-23), all hope for the Nephite cause was lost. It is referred to by Moroni as "the place where the Nephites were destroyed" (Ether 9:3).
Modern Land Location: St Josephs Island, Ontario, Canada. Geolocation: N 46° 12' 54.6", W 83° 57' 01.9" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : EastSea +22
+[EastSea] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {sea1,2,3,4,5} ≈ AR2 +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Aaron]{city3} +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Bountiful]{land1,2} +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Desolation]{land1,3} +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Gid]{city4} ≈ IR7 +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Lehi]{city4} ≈ IR7 +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Lehi]{land3} +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Morionton]{city4} ≈ IR7 +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Morionton]{land3} +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Moroni]{city3} ≈ IR7 +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Mulek]{city4} ≈ IR7 +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [NeckOfLand]{land1} +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Nephihah]{city3} +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Nephihah]{land3} +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Omner]{city4} ≈ IR7 +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ {Lamanite land1,3} +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ {Nephite land1,3,4,5} +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ {Nephite land1,7} +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [NarrowPass]{sea route3} +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jershon]{land2} +[EastSea]{sea} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [WestSea]{sea1,3} +[EastSea]{sea}~[WestSea]{sea} ⇒ <distance> ⇒ {1 days water6}
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR2Trade and travel routes are on lakes and rivers as a first choice. This applies to exploration, military travel, migrations, and missionary journeys in the Book of Mormon.
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The East Sea figures prominently in Nephite geography with port cities on Lake Michigan, Green Bay, and the northern part of Lake Huron. These are all hydrologically one lake. The lakes/seas in the Book of Mormon are directionally named by their relationship to one another, not by their direction from Zarahemla. So therefore, the East Sea is east in relation to the West sea. The East and West sea are often mentioned together and are separated by a 1.5 day water journey from the the east sea to the west sea (upstream, see WestSea) or a 1 day journey when journeying from the west sea to the east sea (downstream). The West sea, Lake Superior, is west of the East Sea, lake Michigan/Huron and although it is also north, it is more west than north, and so it is called the West Sea. In the Book of Mormon, cardinal directions are typically used rather than intermediate directions. By the reverse logic, the East Sea is considered east rather than south. In the Book of Mormon, Nephite lands in Manti are also stated as being south of the West Sea, so that means the West Sea is north of Nephite lands (Alma 53:8 and Section 4.5.3 War of Amalickiah - Stripling Soldiers) and the East Sea is east of both Nephite lands and the West Sea.
Modern Feature Location: Lake Michigan/Huron. Geolocation: N 45° 48' 28.9", W 84° 43' 56.0" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : EastWilderness +5
+[EastWilderness] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {travel route1,3} ≈ IR4 AR2 +[EastWilderness]{travel route} ⇒ <east of> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land2,3} +[EastWilderness]{travel route} ⇒ <is> ⇒ {border2,3} ≈ AR4 +[EastWilderness]{travel route} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Antionum]{land2} +[EastWilderness]{travel route} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1} +[EastWilderness]{travel route} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Nephi]{land3} +[EastWilderness]{travel route} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ {Lamanite ]{lands2,3}
IR4"Wilderness" areas are river bottom-land areas, and are therefore synonymous with "river", unless otherwise specified in the text.
AR2Trade and travel routes are on lakes and rivers as a first choice. This applies to exploration, military travel, migrations, and missionary journeys in the Book of Mormon.
AR4Book of Mormon "lands" are located in the areas between the rivers so that the rivers serve as the natural borders.
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The east wilderness is the alluvial plain of the Illinois river. Anciently it was dense with vegetation and trees but not a place for a permanent settlement since it's a floodplain. The east wilderness extends from St Louis Missouri almost to Chicago Illinois (city of Moroni) on the east sea. See Sections 3.3 and 4.3.2 for more information. In the Book of Mormon, Lamanite hostiles would camp out in the east wilderness as a staging area for attacks, especially after the Zoramites joined with the Lamanites. See Alma 50.
Modern Feature Location: Illinois River bottoms, Illinois. Geolocation: N 40° 40' 21.2", W 89° 35' 37.0" |
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Jaredite Era.[~2170 BC to ~550 BC] : Ephraim +2
+[Ephraim] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {hill1} ≈ AR3 +[Ephraim]{hill} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Nehor]{city1} ≈ AR3
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The eastern tip of the Marquette Iron Range is proposed as a location for the hill Ephraim. This location is close to Lake Superior and the closest to the land of Moron. The distance is 170 miles which is 3-7 days travel by sea.
Modern Feature Location: Near Marquette, Michigan. Geolocation: N 46° 32' 44.8", W 87° 22' 55.2" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Gad +4
+[Gad] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Gad]{city} ⇒ <destroyed> ⇒ {fire1} +[Gad]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Josh]{city1} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Gad]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Kishcumen]{city1} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The cities of Laman, Josh, Gad, and Kishcumen are difficult to place because they are only mentioned in as being destroyed by fire prior to the visitation of the resurrected Christ. The cities are placed according to the following criteria:
Modern City Location: Omaha, Nebraska. Geolocation: N 41° 14' 43.8", W 95° 55' 41.4" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Gadiandi +3
+[Gadiandi] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Gadiandi]{city} ⇒ <destroyed> ⇒ {sunk into the earth1} +[Gadiandi]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Gadiomnah]{city1} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The cities of Gadiandi, Gadiomnah, Jacob, and Gimgimno are only mentioned in relation to being destroyed by being "sunk" prior to the visitation of the resurrected Christ. The cities are placed according to the following:
Modern City Location: Prairie du Chen, Wisconsin. Geolocation: N 43° 02' 00.0", W 91° 08' 02.4" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Gadiomnah +4
+[Gadiomnah] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Gadiomnah]{city} ⇒ <destroyed> ⇒ {sunk into the earth1} +[Gadiomnah]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Gadiandi]{city1} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Gadiomnah]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jacob]{city1} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The cities of Gadiandi, Gadiomnah,Jacob, and Gimgimno are difficult to place because they are only mentioned in relation to being destroyed by being "sunk" prior to the visitation of the resurrected Christ. The cities are placed according to the following:
Modern City Location: La Cross, Wisconsin. Geolocation: N 43° 51' 16.6", W 91° 10' 48.9" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Gid +8
+[Gid] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1,2,3} ≈ IR7 AR1 +[Gid]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [EastSea]{sea1} +[Gid]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Bountiful]{city2,3} +[Gid]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Morionton]{city1} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Gid]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Mulek]{city1} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Gid]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Omner]{city1} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Gid]{city} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ {Nephite lands1} +[Gid]{city} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [BordersOfNephites]{feature5+4}
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The city of Gid factors prominently in the wars of Amalickiah and is on the Bountiful/Desolation border. See also Section 4.6.2 War of Amalickiah.
Modern City Location: Munuscong, Michigan. Geolocation: N 46° 14' 58.0", W 84° 10' 57.3" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Gideon +17
+[Gideon] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city2,8} ≈ AR1 AR3 +[Gideon] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land3,4,5,6,7} +[Gideon] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {valley1,2} +[Gideon]{city} ⇒ <east of> ⇒ [Sidon]{river2} ≈ AR1 +[Gideon]{city} ⇒ <east of> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{city2} +[Gideon]{city} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [Gideon]{valley2} +[Gideon]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{city1,2,6,7} +[Gideon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Sidon]{river1,2} ≈ AR1 +[Gideon]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Manti]{land4} ≈ IR2 +[Gideon]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land4} +[Gideon]{valley} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Gideon]{city2} +[Gideon]{valley} ⇒ <east of> ⇒ [Sidon]{river2} ≈ AR1 +[Gideon]{valley} ⇒ <east of> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{city2} +[Gideon]{valley} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Minon]{land1} +[Gideon]{valley} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Sidon]{river2} ≈ AR1 +[Gideon]{valley} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{city2,7} +[Gideon]{valley} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1,4}
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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We know that the land of Gideon is south and east of Zarahemla and is also less than 1 days march - because of the Amlicite war. The Amlicite battles are mapped out in detail in Section 4.4.2 Amlicite War - Battle of Zarahemla. The best topographical location for the city of Gideon is Hamilton, on the east side of the Mississippi, across the river from Keokuk, and at the end of the Des Moines rapids. See also Section 4.4.1 City of Zarahemla3. Of particular note is Alma 17:1 which gives the cardinal direction of Manti to both Gideon and Zarahemla. Gideon and Zarahemla are SOUTH. Manti is NORTH. Alma 17:1 is frequently misinterpreted as indicating Alma is traveling south to Manti however Alma is not traveling southward but is traveling FROM Manti and Manti is located southward. Obviously in normal English Alma 17:1 can be interpreted either way. However, in Book of Mormon English one is never stated as traveling in a direction but is always stated as traveling to or from a location, which has a direction.
Modern Land Location: 1-2 miles east of the Mississippi (Sidon) river between Nauvoo and Hamilton. Modern City Location: Hamilton, Illinois. Geolocation: N 40° 23' 47.8", W 91° 20' 59.3". Modern Valley Location: 2 miles Southwest of Nauvoo. Geolocation: N 40° 31' 31.8", W 91° 21' 23.3". Modern Land Location: Area between Nauvoo and Hamilton, Illinois. Geolocation: N 40° 28' 39.0", W 91° 20' 39.9" |
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Jaredite Era.[~2170 BC to ~550 BC] : Gilgal +2
+[Gilgal] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {valley1} ≈ AR3 +[Gilgal]{valley} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Heshlon]{plains1} ≈ AR3
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The valley of Gilgal is the gateway to Moron from the south and has what can be considered "plains" to the south. Any army approaching Moron from the south would have to go through this chosen location for Gilgal.
Modern Feature Location: Garden River, Ontario. Geolocation: N 46° 33' 16.6", W 84° 11' 03.4" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Gilgal2 +2
+[Gilgal2] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1} ≈ IR2 IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Gilgal2]{city} ⇒ <destroyed> ⇒ {sunk into the earth1}
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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There is nothing in the text to identify the location of the Nephite city of Gilgal (Gilgal2) except that it was destroyed by being "sunk". This leads to a reasonable supposition that it shares location and topography with the cities of Gadiandi, Gadiomnah,Jacob, and Gimgimno which are placed along the Mississippi/Sidon in Wisconsin and Iowa. The most favorable location not already taken, is chosen.
Modern City Location: Dubuque, Iowa. Geolocation: N 42° 30' 50.3", W 90° 40' 04.4" |
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Jaredite Era [~2170 BC to ~550 BC] : GreatJarediteCity +8
+[GreatJarediteCity] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1} ≈ AR1 AR3 IR2 +[GreatJarediteCity]{city} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [Desolation]{land1+2+3+4} ≈ AR3 +[GreatJarediteCity]{city} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [Moron]{land3+4+5} ≈ AR3 +[GreatJarediteCity]{city} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [JarediteLandSouthward]{land1+2+4} ≈ AR3 +[GreatJarediteCity]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [LineBountifulDesolation]{passage1+3} ≈ AR3 +[GreatJarediteCity]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [NeckOfLand]{land1,4} ≈ AR3 +[GreatJarediteCity]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [WhereSeaDividesLand]{feature1,3+4} ≈ AR3 +[GreatJarediteCity]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [OreMines]{place1+4} ≈ AR3
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
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"Where the sea divides the land" near the "narrow neck of land" are major clues for the location of this "great" (large) yet unnamed Jaredite city. Although the Book of Mormon says there were "many cities" for the Jaredites (Ether 10:4) only one city name is shared with us (Nehor). The location of the "great city" is proposed to be near the water border (frequently referred to elsewhere in the Book of Mormon) between the Nephite lands of Bountiful and Desolation. In early Nephite times the most strategic spot for control of trade and military advantage was the prominent city of Bountiful which served as the gateway between Lake Superior (West Sea) and Lake Michigan/Huron (East Sea). Along this border route the same positional advantages would have applied to the Jaredites as well as the Nephites. Therefore, it is proposed that the great unnamed Jaredite city is in the Jaredite land of Moron and is the same or very close to the Nephite city of Bountiful.
Modern City Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Geolocation: N 46° 29' 59.1", W 84° 20' 41.1" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Gimgimno +3
+[Gimgimno] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city2} ≈ IR2 IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Gimgimno]{city} ⇒ <destroyed> ⇒ {sunk into the earth2} +[Gimgimno]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jacob]{city2} ≈ IR2 IR7 AR1 AR3
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The cities of Gadiandi, Gadiomnah,Jacob, and Gimgimno are difficult to place because they are only mentioned in relation to being destroyed by being "sunk" prior to the visitation of the resurrected Christ. The cities are placed according to the following:
Modern City Location: Red Wing, Minnesota. Geolocation: N 44° 34' 06.7", W 92° 35' 05.4" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Hagoth +5
+[Hagoth] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {place1} ≈ AR1 +[Hagoth]{ships} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Bountiful]{land1} +[Hagoth]{ships} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [NeckOfLand]{land1} +[Hagoth]{ships} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [WestSea]{sea1} +[Hagoth]{ships} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Desolation]{land1} +[Hagoth]{ships} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1,2}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
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Nephite technology included metal working, "machinery", monetary currency, writing, animal domestication, and ship building. Water craft must have been very important given the many rivers and proximity to the great lakes. Note that Hagoths ship was noteworthy not because he built it but because it was "exceedingly large". Five thousand and four hundred men, with their wives and their children plus timber is a lot to convey on this and "other ships" mentioned. Based on the description, the launch point is into the west sea (not Ste. Marie's River), and on the border of Bountiful near to the land Desolation.
Modern Place Location: Cedar Point at Round Island Point Nature Preserve, Michigan. Geolocation: N 46° 26' 45.1", W 84° 29' 54.3" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Helam +9
+[Helam] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1} ≈ AR1 AR3 AR7 AR9 AR10 +[Helam] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,2,3} ≈ AR1 AR7 AR9 AR10 +[Helam]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ {wilderness1,3} +[Helam]{land} ⇒ <has> ⇒ {pure water1} +[Helam]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Amulon]{land1} +[Helam]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jerusalem]{land3} +[Helam]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Midian]{land3} +[Helam]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Nephi]{land1,2} +[Helam]{land}~[Alma]{valley} ⇒ <distance> ⇒ {1 day3} +[Helam]{land}~[WatersOfMormon]{fountain} ⇒ <distance> ⇒ {8 days1}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
AR7Average military or emergency civilian travel marching distances are calculated at 8 hours traveling per day at 2.5 mph.
AR9Water travel with the river current, is calculated at an average speed of 8 hours traveling per day at 5 mph.
AR10Water travel with the river current, is calculated at an average speed of 8 hours traveling per day at 5 mph.
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Helam is where the converted people of Alma travel to after being baptized at the WatersOfMormon. It is 8 days travel north in the direction of the land of Nephi until they reach Helam. We know Helam in the same general region as the city of Jerusalem -- and it is because of this that we know it is also in the region of Middoni, Ani-Anti, and Amulon. See Sections 4.3.5 and 4.3.5 travel charts for a detailed analysis on how the distances work out. In summary, the 8 days travel can be accounted for by either a land or river journey.
Modern City Location: Chrystal City, Missouri. Geolocation: N 38° 13' 24.0", W 90° 22' 46.3" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Hermounts +7
+[Hermounts] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {wilderness1} ≈ IR1 +[Hermounts]{wilderness} ⇒ <has> ⇒ {wild beasts1} +[Hermounts]{wilderness} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Sidon]{river1} ≈ AR1 +[Hermounts]{wilderness} ⇒ <west of> ⇒ [Sidon]{river1} ≈ AR1 +[Hermounts]{wilderness} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{city1} +[Hermounts]{wilderness} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{city1} +[Hermounts]{wilderness} ⇒ <west of> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{city1}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
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Hermounts is explicitly stated as being immediately north and west and Zarahemla so it is not difficult to place. Of interest, all directions in the Book of Mormon are stated in only one of the four cardinal directions, with Hermounts being the only exception as being both north and west of Zarahemla. See Section 3.2 Rules of Interpretation Rules of Interpretation for explanation on the use of the term "wilderness" which is any place unfit for permanent habitation. It is most commonly used with river bottom land areas but in this case it is because of the wild beasts that inhabit the area. See also the Amlicite war and diagrams in Section 4.4.2 Amlicite War - Battle of Zarahemla. See also Section 3.4.4.
Modern City Location: greater area of Donnellson, Iowa. Geolocation: N 40° 38' 17.7", W 91° 33' 43.1" |
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Jaredite Era [~2170 BC to ~550 BC] : Heth +3
+[Heth] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1} ≈ AR3 +[Heth]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Moron]{land1+2} ≈ AR3
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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Regarding Heth, we know only that it is the location of a rival kingdom to the one in Moron. It appears that it was in close proximity also since the new king Jared was able to "flatter" many people from his fathers kingdom to join his. It makes some sense that the Heth would be in a close but strategic location, and easy to travel to. Topographically the most strategic location would be on the modern border between Upper Michigan and Ontario Canada, and the same place that the Mormon's Nephites chose as a strategic and defensible position (see Desolation2).
Modern Land Location: St Josephs Island, Ontario, Canada. Geolocation: N 46° 13' 06.6", W 83° 57' 26.6" |
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Jaredite Era [~2170 BC to ~550 BC] : Heshlon +2
+[Heshlon] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {plains1} ≈ AR3 +[Heshlon]{plains} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Gilgal]{valley1} ≈ AR3
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The proposed location is the best place that is close to the plains of Gilgal, in my opinion.
Modern Feature Location: Somewhat east of Echo River (town name), Ontario. Geolocation: N 46° 30' 32.7", W 84° 02' 16.6" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Hill_NS +4
+[Hill_NS] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {hill1,2} ≈ AR3 +[Hill_NS]{hill} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Nephi]{city1} +[Hill_NS]{hill} ⇒ <near> ⇒ {wilderness1} +[Hill_NS]{hill} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Shilom]{land1,2}
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The Hill north of Shilom has no specific name so I designate it Hill_NS. It would be the highest spot with the best view and most immune to flooding where the original French settlers established St Louis.
Modern City Location: Old Frenchtown, St Louis, Missouri. Geolocation: N 38° 37' 00.1", W 90° 12' 06.1" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : HillManti +3
+[HillManti] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {hill2} +[HillManti]{hill} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1,2} +[HillManti]{hill} ⇒ <has> ⇒ {execution of Nehor1,2} |
There is no indication that the hill Manti has any connection with the land/city of Manti. With Zarahemla being the capital city, it is assumed to be near the location of the judgement seat to which Nehor was brought (for example, see Helaman 7-9). Therefore the place of execution, the hill Manti, would likely also be nearby. The hill chosen is the most prominent at the approach to Zarahemla from the south.
Modern City Location: Bluff Park, Iowa. Geolocation: N 40° 31' 40.7", W 91° 24' 14.6" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Ishmael +11
+[Ishmael] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,2,3,4,5,6,7} ≈ AR1 AR3 +[Ishmael]{land} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Sebus]{waters1} +[Ishmael]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ {wilderness1} +[Ishmael]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Lemuel]{city5} +[Ishmael]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Middoni]{land2,3,4,5} +[Ishmael]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Midian]{land6} +[Ishmael]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Nephi]{city5} +[Ishmael]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Nephi]{land1,4,7} +[Ishmael]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shemlon]{land5} +[Ishmael]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shilom]{land5} +[Ishmael]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shimnilom]{city5}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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Ishmael is in the heartland of Lamanite territory near the land of Nephi of about 76 BC and we know about Ishmael because of the missionary journeys of the sons of Mosiah. It was their first Lamanite city encountered in the trip from Zarahemla, where Ammon departed from his fellow misionaries.S ee Section 4.3.3 Missionary Journey of Ammon, Aaron, Muloki and Ammah.
Modern City Location: St Charles, Missouri. Geolocation: N 38° 46' 42.4", W 90° 28' 57.8" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Jacob +4
+[Jacob] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1} ≈ IR2 IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Jacob]{city} ⇒ <destroyed> ⇒ {sunk and buried1,2} ≈ IR2 +[Jacob]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Gimgimno]{city2} +[Jacob]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Gadiomnah]{city2}
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The cities of Gadiandi, Gadiomnah,Jacob, and Gimgimno are difficult to place because they are only mentioned in relation to being destroyed by being "sunk" prior to the visitation of the resurrected Christ. The cities are placed according to the following:
Modern City Location: Wabasha, Michigan. Geolocation: N 44° 22' 40.4", W 92° 01' 20.7" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Jacobugath +3
+[Jacobugath] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city2} ≈ IR2 AR1 AR3 +[Jacobugath]{city} ⇒ <destroyed> ⇒ {fire2} +[Jacobugath]{city} ⇒ <northernmost> ⇒ {land1}
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The most northernmost part of the land is the Keweenaw peninsula, which is a key location due to the ore mines found there and thus a strategic location indeed. It could be as far north as Copper Harbor but an actual settlement makes more sense further inland but with good access to Lake Superior. See Section 3.5.2.
Modern City Location: Hancock, Michigan. Geolocation: N 47° 07' 34.7", W 88° 35' 15.7" |
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Jaredite Era [~2170 BC to ~550 BC] : JarediteLandSouthward +6
+[JarediteLandSouthward] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,2} ≈ AR3 +[JarediteLandSouthward]{land} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1} +[JarediteLandSouthward]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [LineBountifulDesolation]{passage2} +[JarediteLandSouthward]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [NeckOfLand]{land2} +[JarediteLandSouthward]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [OreMines]{place2} +[JarediteLandSouthward]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [GreatJarediteCity]{city2} |
As far as we can tell from the Book of Mormon, the Jaredites did not migrate to the southern areas of the Nephites and Lamanites but rather reserved these areas as a game reserve. Early on they had some kind of issue with poisonous serpents in these regions also. However, knowing that Zarahemla was south of Jaredites a useful indicator that Jaredites dwelt in upper Michigan and Ontario.
Modern Feature Location: Wisconsin, Illinois, eastern Iowa. Geolocation: N 42° 14' 43.1", W 89° 05' 52.4" |
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Late History [314 AD to 420 AD] : Jashon +9
+[Jashon] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city2} ≈ AR1 AR3 +[Jashon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Antum]{land1+2} +[Jashon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Joshua]{land2} +[Jashon]{city} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Shem]{city2} +[Jashon]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Shem]{city2} +[Jashon]{city} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Shem]{land2} +[Jashon]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Shem]{land2} +[Jashon]{city} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Joshua]{land2} +[Jashon]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Joshua]{land2}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The city Jashon is mentioned as being near the hill Shim therefore Jashon must be near Antum since Shim is in Antum. Jashon is placed north of Shim and Antum at the most natural place available, which is where the Garden River flows and empties into the St Marys river.
Modern City Location: Garden River, Ontario, Canada. Geolocation: N 46° 31' 56.5", W 84° 09' 22.2" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Jershon +8
+[Jershon] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city6} ≈ AR1 AR3 +[Jershon] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,2,3,4,5,6} +[Jershon]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Antionum]{land4} +[Jershon]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Bountiful]{land1} +[Jershon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [EastSea]{sea1} +[Jershon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Melek]{land5} +[Jershon]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Antionum]{land4} +[Jershon]{land}~[Nephi]{land} ⇒ <separated by> ⇒ {wilderness1,2} +[Jershon]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Bountiful]{land1}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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Jershon is a large land area in the center of Nephite territory. For map of the migrations of the People of Ammon, see Section 4.4.4 The People of Ammon - Migrations. When the Nephites ceded this land to the People of Ammon, they gave up a vast but sparsely populated area in the center of their lands. Jershon extended far north and then to the East Sea (Lake Michigan). The location also provides buffer zones to for protection from Lamanite incursions. The city of Jershon is placed where the Iowa River meets the Rock Island river.
Modern City Location: Rock Island, Illinois. Geolocation: N 41° 29' 23.3", W 90° 35' 08.2" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Jerusalem +12
+[Jerusalem] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,2} ≈ IR2 +[Jerusalem] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1,3} ≈ IR2 AR1 AR3 +[Jerusalem]{city}~[Ani-Anti]{village} ⇒ <distance> ⇒ {<1 day1} ≈ IR6 +[Jerusalem]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Middoni]{land1} +[Jerusalem]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Mocum]{city3} +[Jerusalem]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Mormon]{land1} +[Jerusalem]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Mormon]{land1} +[Jerusalem]{city} ⇒ <destroyed> ⇒ {waters coming up3} +[Jerusalem]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Amulon]{land2} +[Jerusalem]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Helam]{land1} +[Jerusalem]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Nephi]{land2} +[Jerusalem]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Midian]{land2} +[Jerusalem]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Onihah]{city3} [Jerusalem]{land} ⇒ <has> ⇒ {Amulonites1,2} [Jerusalem]{land} ⇒ <has> ⇒ {Lamanites1} [Jerusalem]{land} ⇒ <has> ⇒ {Amlicites1,2}
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
IR6The word "journey" indicates a trip of one day or more, otherwise the trip is less than one full day. For example, "came over to" means less than one day.
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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Everywhere in the Book of Mormon where it says Amalekites, it should read Amlicites. See IR2 in Section 3.4 Entity Relationship Table Rules of Interpretation. Amlicites built the city of Jerusalem and named it after the Jerusalem in the old world. See also Section 4.3.3 Missionary Journey of Ammon, Aaron, Muloki and Ammah for the city of Jerusalem in the missionary journeys of the sons of Mosiah which helps to pin-point the location.
Modern City Location: Mississippi River Greenway, St Louis, Missouri. Geolocation: N 38° 31' 59.8", W 90° 15' 45.7" |
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Late History [314 AD to 420 AD] : Jordan +7
+[Jordan] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city3} ≈ AR1 AR3 +[Jordan]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Boaz]{city2,3} +[Jordan]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Desolation2]{city2,3} +[Jordan]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Desolation2]{land2,3} +[Jordan]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Teancum]{city2,3} +[Jordan]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shim]{hill2,3} +[Jordan]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Antum]{land1}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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After the tremendous and tide-turning defeat at Desolation, the Nephites Nephites who are with Mormon retreat first to Boaz and then to Jordan. Antum is included because Mormon travels there, probably by water, (the hill Shim is in the land of Antum) to retrieve the plates. See Section 4.8.2 War in Land of Desolation. By comparison to Desolation the sites of Boaz and Jordon are less defensible, but then a treaty deal is struck for the all the Nephites to gather, unimpeded, to Cumorah.
Modern City Location: Blind River, Ontario, Canada. Geolocation: N 46° 11' 07.2", W 82° 57 '17.6" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Josh +4
+[Josh] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1} ≈ IR2 IR7 AR3 +[Josh]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Laman]{city1} +[Josh]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Gad]{city1} +[Josh]{city} ⇒ <destroyed> ⇒ {fire1}
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The cities of Laman, Josh, Gad, and Kishcumen are difficult to place because they are only mentioned in connection with being destroyed by fire in connection with the visitation of the resurrected Christ. The cities are placed according to the following reasons:
Modern City Location: Kansas City, Missouri. Geolocation: N 39° 06' 15.4", W 94° 35' 30.2" |
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Late History [314 AD to 420 AD] : Joshua +7
+[Joshua] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1} ≈ AR1 AR2 AR3 +[Joshua]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ {the west seashore1} +[Joshua]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jashon]{land1} +[Joshua]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Angola]{city1} +[Joshua]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [David]{land1} +[Joshua]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Jashon]{city1} +[Joshua]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Jashon]{land1}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR2Trade and travel routes are on lakes and rivers as a first choice. This applies to exploration, military travel, migrations, and missionary journeys in the Book of Mormon.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The Book of Mormon history picks up again nearly 300 years after the coming of Christ. It is to be expected there are new lands and cities with some new names too, and the Book of Mormon narrative seems to indicate that. We do know that the final conflict begins in Zarahemla and that Mormon's army retreats, step by step, to the north countries and end up eventually at Jashon in the land of Desolation. We're not given any details but the logical model combined with the topograchy of the physical provides the most direct and logical routes from Zarahemla Angola to David to Joshua and finally to Jashon in the land of Desolation. The proposed route is to first head north from Zarahemla in the direction of the Mississippi (Sidon) and then north in the direction of the Rock River until reaching Janesville Wisconsin (David), then an overland trip Joshua (Marionette Wisconsin) and finally, the last part of the journey to the city of Jashon (Garden River, Ontario, Canada). This trek involves a lot of soldiers and people over a long distance. They are likely gathering in new people to their group as they go. The text indicates they "marched" to these locations so that rules out any significant travel on Lake Michigan for this large group. We're told that Joshua "is in the borders west by the seashore". Green Bay is the best candidate for this as one can see both the east and west side of Green Bay from either side. Marionette WI is on the center west side of Green Bay where the Menominee river empties into the Green Bay. The Menominee River forms a border between Upper Michigan and Wisconsin.
Modern City Location: Marionette, Wisconsin. Geolocation: N 45° 05' 18.4", W 87° 37' 28.5" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Judea +8
+[Judea] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city2,3} ≈ AR1 AR3 +[Judea]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Manti]{city2} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Judea]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Zeezrom]{city2} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Judea]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Cumeni]{city2,4} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Judea]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Antiparah]{city2} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Judea]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [CityBySeashore]{city3} +[Judea]{city} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Antiparah]{city2,3} +[Judea]{city} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [WestSea]{sea1} [Judea] ⇒ <supplied from> ⇒ [Zarahemla3,4}
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The stripling soldiers campaign provides a wealth of information about Judea and the Land of Manti region and the cities in the neighborhood. See also Section 4.5.3 War of Amalickiah - Stripling Soldiers. While Zarahemla is not in the neighborhood, it is a straight shot along the Sidon/Mississippi to travel between the two areas. The Lamanites invaded and held border cities along the Sidon. Therefore Judea, the home base for Helamans men and the stripling soldiers, is placed in the center of Manti along the Chippewa river which joins up with the Sidon.
Modern City Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Geolocation: N 44° 47' 02.8", W 91° 31' 52.3" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Kishcumen +5
+[Kishcumen] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1} ≈ IR2 IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Kishcumen]{city} ⇒ <destroyed> ⇒ {fire1} +[Kishcumen]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Gad]{city1} +[Kishcumen]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ {wilderness1,2} +[Kishcumen]{city} ⇒ <not in> ⇒ {Nephite lands2}
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The cities of Laman, Josh, Gad, and Kishcumen are difficult to place because they are only mentioned in connection with being destroyed by fire in connection with the visitation of the resurrected Christ. The cities are placed according to the following reasons:
Modern City Location: Des Moines, Iowa. Geolocation: N 41° 34' 49.1", W 93° 36' 58.8" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Laman +3
+[Laman] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1} ≈ IR2 IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Laman]{city} ⇒ <destroyed> ⇒ {fire1} +[Laman]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Josh]{city1}
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The cities of Laman, Josh, Gad, and Kishcumen are difficult to place because they are only mentioned in connection with being destroyed by fire in connection with the visitation of the resurrected Christ. The cities are placed according to the following reasons:
Modern City Location: Jefferson City, Missouri. Geolocation: N 38° 33' 20.5", W 92° 02' 23.1" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Lehi +12
+[Lehi] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city2,3} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Lehi] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,4} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Lehi]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Morionton]{city2,3} +[Lehi]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Moroni]{city2,3} +[Lehi]{city} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Morionton]{city2,3} +[Lehi]{city} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [BordersOfNephites]{feature6+5} +[Lehi]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [EastSea]{sea1} +[Lehi]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Morionton]{land1,3} +[Lehi]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Nephihah]{city2,4} +[Lehi]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Nephihah]{land4} +[Lehi]{land} ⇒ <sea journey to> ⇒ [NarrowPass]{sea route1} +[Lehi]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Morionton]{land1}
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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Lehi is one of the cities on the seashore of the East Sea or Lake Michigan and part of Jershon so probably populated by the people of Ammon.
The "area of dispute" is at Marinette Wisconsin and Menominee Michigan. See the War of Amalickiah in Section 4.6.2 War of Amalickiah.
Modern City Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin. Geolocation: N 44° 32' 14.9", W 88° 00' 05.8" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Lehi-Nephi +5
+[Lehi-Nephi] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1,2} ≈ IR2 AR1 AR3 +[Lehi-Nephi] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,2} +[Lehi-Nephi]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Shilom]{land1,2} +[Lehi-Nephi]{city} ⇒ <same as> ⇒ [Nephi]{city2} +[Lehi-Nephi]{land} ⇒ <same as> ⇒ [Nephi]{land2} [Lehi-Nephi]{city} ⇒ <has> ⇒ {walls2}
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The city of Nephi, abandoned by the Nephites about 280 BC, is later repopulated by Nephites in the 280 BC - 171 BC timeframe and it's walls were rebuilt. Originally called Nephi, it is referred to as Lehi-Nephi and then back to just Nephi again. Later, during the Reign of the Judges, Nephi becomes the capital city of the Lamanites. See also, Nephi.
Modern City Location: Old Frenchtown, St Louis, Missouri. N 38° 37' 00.1", W 90° 12' 06.1" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : LehiLand +2
+[LehiLand] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land area1} +[LehiLand]{land area} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [MulekLand]{land area1} |
From a more global perspective, the lands south and north (From the mouth of the Mississippi up to Canada and beyond) were named Lehi and Mulek although these designations were rarely used because most of the historical records focus on more limited areas. Going south to north, LehiLand extends from the mouth of the Mississippi to somewhat north of St Louis, inclusive.
Modern Land Location: 100 miles north of St Louis then south to the Gulf of Mexico. Geolocation: N 35° 07' 48.8", W 90° 02' 57.9" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Lemuel +9
+[Lemuel]{city} ⇒ <destroyed> ⇒ {fire1} ≈ AR1 AR3 +[Lemuel] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1} +[Lemuel]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Ishmael]{land1} +[Lemuel]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Lemuel]{city1} +[Lemuel]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Middoni]{land1} +[Lemuel]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Nephi]{city1} +[Lemuel]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Shemlon]{land1} ≈ IR7 +[Lemuel]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shilom]{land1} +[Lemuel]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shimnilom]{city1}
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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Lemuel is placed on the perimeter of the former path of the Sidon river (Horseshoe Lake) that once existed west of the city of Nephi. Lemuel is so placed because it is mentioned with the other cities that are around the circle. Lemuel was once bordering on the Sidon and is put at about one o-clock because that is the only place left after Shemlon, Shimnilom, and Shilom are placed. See Section 4.3.4 East of Nephi.
Modern City Location: Granite City/Pontoon Beach, Illinois. Geolocation: N 38° 42' 47.1", W 90° 06' 23.7" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : LineBountifulDesolation +12
+[LineBountifulDesolation] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {passage3} ≈ AR9 AR10 +[LineBountifulDesolation]{passage} ⇒ <has> ⇒ {fortified line3} +[LineBountifulDesolation]{passage} ⇒ <is> ⇒ [WhereSeaDividesLand]{feature1+6} +[LineBountifulDesolation]{begin fortified line}~[LineBountifulDesolation]{end fortified line} ⇒ <distance> ⇒ {1 day water2} +[LineBountifulDesolation]{passage} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Bountiful]{land1} +[LineBountifulDesolation]{passage} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Desolation]{land1} +[LineBountifulDesolation]{passage} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [GreatJarediteCity]{city5} +[LineBountifulDesolation]{passage} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [NeckOfLand]{land1} +[LineBountifulDesolation]{passage} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [NarrowPass]{sea route4} +[LineBountifulDesolation]{passage} ⇒ <has> ⇒ {fortified line2} +[LineBountifulDesolation]{passage} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [NarrowPass]{sea route2} +[LineBountifulDesolation]{end fortified line}~[LineBountifulDesolation]{begin fortified line} ⇒ <distance> ⇒ {1.5 days water1} +[LineBountifulDesolation]{passage} ⇒ <is> ⇒ {militarily strategic1,2} +[LineBountifulDesolation]{passage} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [JarediteLandSouthward]{land5} +[LineBountifulDesolation]{passage} ⇒ <route to> ⇒ {land northward1,2} +[LineBountifulDesolation]{passage} ⇒ <route to> ⇒ {land southward1,3,4} +[LineBountifulDesolation]{border} ⇒ <same as> ⇒ [NarrowPassage]{passage2} |
The Line Bountiful Desolation is the route between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan/Huron and the border between Bountiful and Desolation (todays Upper Michigan and Ontario). The Book of Mormon says it is 1.5 days travel from the east to the west sea. This border/passage fits so well with the Book of Morman narrative that it is a major factor in favor on the Zarahemla Centric Heartland Model. This area was considered critically important for military reasons as well as for controlling trade and migration northward. Note that two distances are given for traveling this water border. When traveling upstream from the east (sea) to the west sea, the distances is a day and a half (Alma 22:32) but when traveling downstream from the west to the east sea the distance is only one day (Helaman 4:7). So the travel distance, in time, depends on the direction of the current of the St. Marys River. The distance from Lake Superior to Lake Michigan/Huron is about 70 miles, with an average water speed of 1 mph. See the Travel Calculations table below for the distance calculations. See also, "NarrowPassage". The line is also fortified according to Helaman 4:7. From a military perspective it makes sense to place the fortified line on the east side of the water divide, which allows for a natural barrier to invasion. The line may have consisted of a series of surveillance outposts to detect enemy movements. With the natural water passage it would have been easily to quickly move additional troops to any spot necessary for defense. Modern Feature Location: St Marys river ≈ border of Upper Michigan and Ontario Canada. Geolocation: N 46° 17' 18.0", W 84° 06' 58.5" |
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The table below shows the water distance for the line Bountiful/Desolation is well within the 1 (downstream) or 1.5 days (upstream) cited in the Book of Mormon, given a sailing vessel of 20' length.
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Manti +21
+[Manti] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city6,7,8} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Manti] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,2,4,6,8} ≈ IR2 +[Manti]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Antiparah]{city6} +[Manti]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [CityBySeashore]{city6} +[Manti]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Cumeni]{city6,7} +[Manti]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Judea]{city6} +[Manti]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Zeezrom]{city6} +[Manti]{city} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Antiparah]{city6} +[Manti]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Sidon]{river1,3,4} ≈ AR1 +[Manti]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [SidonHead]{place3,4} +[Manti]{land} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [SidonHead]{place3} +[Manti]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Riplah]{hill4} +[Manti]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [SidonHead]{place3,4} +[Manti]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Sidon]{river3} ≈ AR1 +[Manti]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ {South Wilderness1} +[Manti]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Gideon]{land2} +[Manti]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ {South Wilderness1} +[Manti]{land}~[Antionum]{land} ⇒ <separated by> ⇒ {wilderness4} +[Manti]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Riplah]{hill4} +[Manti]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [WestSea]{sea3,5} +[Manti]{city} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [BordersOfNephites]{feature5+9}
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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Most Book of Mormon maps place Manti as south of Zarahemla, which is incorrect. In fairness, the description of Alma's journey in Alma 17:1 can be read two ways: A) Alma is journeying south towards Manti starting at the land of Gideon (making Manti south of Gideon); or 2) Alma is journeying starting from Gideon located to the south then towards Manti (making Gideon south of Manti). So with Alma 17:1 being indeterminate, it is necessary to consider other factors, as follows:
Modern City Location: Prescott, Wisconsin. Geolocation: N 44° 44' 54.6", W 92° 48' 07.9" Modern Land Location: western Wisconsin. Geolocation: N 45° 28' 27.2", W 91° 47' 43.4" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Melek +8
+[Melek] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,3,4} ≈ IR2 AR4 AR5 AR10 +[Melek]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jershon]{land3} +[Melek]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1,2,3} +[Melek]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Ammonihah]{city1} +[Melek]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Ammonihah]{land1} +[Melek]{land} ⇒ <west of> ⇒ [Sidon]{river1} ≈ AR1 +[Melek]{land} ⇒ <west of> ⇒ {the borders of wilderness1} +[Melek]{land}~[Ammonihah]{city} ⇒ <distance> ⇒ {3 days1}
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR4Book of Mormon "lands" are located in the areas between the rivers so that the rivers serve as the natural borders.
AR5The word "journey" indicates a trip of one day or more, otherwise the trip is less than one full day. For example, "came over to" means less than one day.
AR10Water travel against the river current, is calculated at an average speed of 8 hours traveling per day at 3 mph.
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Some care is taken in the Book of Mormon to describe the land of Melek so it can be placed with some confidence. However, there is no mention of a city of Melek even though the junction of the Iowa and Mississippi rivers would be a strategic area for a city. Because of the terrain there is no modern city (of any size) on the west side of the river at this junction, so maybe the same was also true in Book of Mormon times. The distance from Melek to Ammonihah is stated as 3 days journey. From AR10 the Iowa River journey upstream from Toolsboro Iowa (start of Melek) to Coralville Iowa (Ammonihah) should be calculated as 8 hrs X 3 mph X 3 days = 72 miles. The actual (google map trace) distance on the Book of Mormon map, following the river, is precisely 75.5 miles so that is an excellent fit. Modern Land Location: region enclosed by the Iowa, Cedar, Wapsipinicon and Mississippi rivers in eastern Iowa. Geolocation: N 41° 28' 43.3", W 91° 05' 36.4" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Middoni +9
+[Middoni] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,2,3} ≈ IR2 AR4 AR5 +[Middoni]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Ani-Anti]{village2} +[Middoni]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Ishmael]{land1,2,3,4} +[Middoni]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jerusalem]{city2} +[Middoni]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Lemuel]{city4} +[Middoni]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Nephi]{land1,3,4} +[Middoni]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shemlon]{land4} +[Middoni]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shilom]{land4} +[Middoni]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Shimnilom]{city4}
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
AR4Book of Mormon "lands" are located in the areas between the rivers so that the rivers serve as the natural borders.
AR5The word "journey" indicates a trip of one day or more, otherwise the trip is less than one full day. For example, "came over to" means less than one day.
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Middoni is mentioned in relation to the missionary journeys of the sons of Mosiah. Aaron, Muloki and Ammah are imprisoned there and thus there are many references to Middoni. By the descriptions and by process of elimination Middoni is placed on the west of the Sidon and south of the city of Nephi. Note that Middoni is only a land (with a prison) but not designated as a city. I have placed it directly across the river from Ani-Anti (Dupo, Missouri) due to the phrase "came over". See 3.3 Rules of Interpretation.
Modern Land Location: Bella Villa/Lemay Missouri. Geolocation: N 38° 31' 40.9", W 90° 15' 56.4" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Midian +6
+[Midian] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1>} +[Midian]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Ishmael]{land1} ≈ AR5 +[Midian]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Nephi]{land1} +[Midian]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Amulon]{land1} +[Midian]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Helam]{land1} +[Midian]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jerusalem]{land1}
AR5The word "journey" indicates a trip of one day or more, otherwise the trip is less than one full day. For example, "came over to" means less than one day.
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Midian is placed north up the river from where the most hostile Amlicites and Amulonites were located (in Amulon and Jerusalem etc south), a more safe place to for a rendezvous. Also, from there they would have an easy water route traveling west to Ishmael for their council mentioned. The location of Midian is also chosen because it only place of major population left to consider in the crowded St Louis region. Unless there are other prominent factors major population centers of modern times are assumed to mirror the major population centers of ancient times. See Section 3.2 Rules of Interpretation Rules of Interpretation.
Modern Land Location: Alton, Illinois. Geolocation: N 38° 51' 40.9", W 90° 07' 34.0" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Minon +5
+[Minon] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1} +[Minon]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1} +[Minon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Gideon]{valley1} ≈ AR4 +[Minon]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1}
AR4Book of Mormon "lands" are located in the areas between the rivers so that the rivers serve as the natural borders.
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The Land of Minon is described during the Amlicite war. The Lamanites go right through Minon as they come up to join with the Amlicites battling at Zarahemla. The land of Minon was apparently used for farming as there is mention of the crops being trodden down by the advancing armies. See Section 4.4.2 Amlicite War - Battle of Zarahemla Amlicite War - Battle of Zarahemla.
Modern Land Location: Between Keokuk and Montrose, Iowa and between the Mississippi and Des Moines rivers. Geolocation: N 40° 27' 52.3", W 91° 26' 48.3" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Mocum +4
+[Mocum] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Mocum]{city} ⇒ <destroyed> ⇒ {waters coming up1} +[Mocum]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jerusalem]{city1} +[Mocum]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Onihah]{city1}
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The cities of Onihah, Mocum, and Jerusalem are only mentioned in relation to being destroyed by flooding (waters that "come up") prior to the visitation of the resurrected Christ. This is an instance of river flooding and another indication that these cities bordered the waters of the Sidon. Note that, by contrast, the destroyed cities bordering the east sea were "sunk in the depths of the sea". The three cities mentioned with Mocum are placed according to the following:
Modern City Location: Oakville, Missouri. Geolocation: N 38° 24' 06.4", W 90° 20' 10.4" |
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Late History [314 AD to 420 AD] : Moriantum +3
+[Moriantum] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {place1} ≈ AR1 AR3 +[Moriantum]{place} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Sherrizah]{tower1} +[Moriantum]{place} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Desolation2]{city1+2}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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Mention of the war atrocities at Sherrizah and Moriantum is in a letter from Mormon to Moroni that Moroni later shares with us later, outside the chronological narrative of Mormon. However it fits best with the situation described in Mormon 4 and therefore the near locale would be the city of Desolation (located on St Joseph Island). The most important location by far near to the city of Desolation is the "narrow pass" "leading by the sea" to the land northward. Such an strategic location would demand a city or military outpost and so this is what I propose for Moriantum.
Modern Place Location: De Tour Village, Michigan. Geolocation: N 45° 59' 31.8", W 83° 53' 56.3" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Morionton +15
+[Morionton] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city2,3,4} ≈ AR3 +[Morionton] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1} +[Morionton]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [EastSea]{sea2} +[Morionton]{city} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [BordersOfNephites]{feature6+5} +[Morionton]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Gid]{city2} +[Morionton]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Lehi]{city2,4} +[Morionton]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Lehi]{land2,3} +[Morionton]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Moroni]{city2} +[Morionton]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Nephihah]{city2} +[Morionton]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Omner]{city2} +[Morionton]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [EastSea]{sea1} +[Morionton]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Lehi]{land1,4} +[Morionton]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Lehi]{city2,4} +[Morionton]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Lehi]{land1} +[Morionton]{land} ⇒ <south of> ⇒ [Bountiful]{land1}
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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Morionton (updated spelling is from BOMET) was the instigator of an internal dispute among the Nephites. The city of Morionton has his name. It should be noted that the city of Lehi was in the land of Jershon and therefore a city of the people of Ammon (Ammonites) who were previously Lamanites who had converted and joined with the Nephites, and the account says they "were not in the wrong" when it came to the dispute with the people of Morionton. The area of dispute is not difficult to surmise. Halfway between Morionton and Lehi is the Menominee River that empties into Lake Michigan. The river separates Bountiful from Jershon with the same border that separates today Upper Michigan from Wisconsin. One would think the people of Morionton would just take the north side of the Menominee River and let the Ammonites take the south side but apparently no such agreement was reached. Perhaps the south side was more desirable and the people of Morionton just wanted all it.
Modern City Location: Escanaba, Michigan. Geolocation: N 45° 44' 40.4", W 87° 02' 57.6" Modern Land Location: Menominee Michigan (north of river) and Marinette Wisconsin (south of river). Geolocation: N 45° 34' 33.1", W 87° 28' 05.9" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Mormon +9
+[Mormon] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {forest1} +[Mormon] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {place1} +[Mormon] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {waters1,2,3} +[Mormon] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {fountain1} +[Mormon]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Jerusalem]{land4} +[Mormon]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Nephi]{land3} +[Mormon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Jerusalem]{city4} +[Mormon]{land} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [WatersOfMormon]{fountain1,2,3} +[Mormon]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Amulon]{land4} |
The land of Mormon is a large area of land covering most of western Missouri and contains the "waters of Mormon" in the southeastern region.
Modern Land Location: Ozarks plateau. Modern Feature Location: Big Springs, Missouri. Geolocation: N 36° 57' 07.9", W 90° 59' 39.6" |
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Jaredite Era [~2170 BC to ~550 BC] : Moron +11
+[Moron] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,6} +[Moron]{land} ⇒ <is> ⇒ {first inheritance4} +[Moron]{land} ⇒ <contains> ⇒ [GreatJarediteCity]{city1+3+4+9} ≈ AR1 +[Moron]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1+10} +[Moron]{land} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [Desolation]{land1+3+4} +[Moron]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Nehor]{land4} +[Moron]{land} ⇒ <desolate of> ⇒ {timber1+3} +[Moron]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Desolation2]{land4} +[Moron]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Akish]{wilderness8} +[Moron]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Heth]{land4+5} +[Moron]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ {seashore8} [Moron]{land} ⇒ <has> ⇒ {throne4+6+7+8}
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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Throughout the Book of Ether the Jaredite Kings were based in Moron. That's where the throne was. There were a few times when the kingdom was split between two kings but this was rare and always short-lived (see "Jaredites Reign of Kings" graphic). The Jaredite land of Moron is the same as the Nephite land of Desolation, which is always described as being far northward and bordering Bountiful. It's where the first Nephite explorers found massive amounts of destruction after the final wars of the Jaredite nation and also described by Moroni as the "north country". The Nephites called it "Desolation" and the place of the Jaredites "first landing". The Jaredites called it the land of "first inheritance". Even more than the Nephites, the Jaredites were a nation rooted in the Great Lakes region. To get to the Great Lakes they had to either: A) come from the south up the Mississippi like the Nephites; or B) come from the east to the interior of the land via the St Lawrence seaway and then on to the interconnected Great Lakes (Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior). The answer is obviously option B based the very limited interaction between the two cultures described in the Book of Mormon. However rather than just setting up where ever they happened to land on the beach, it appears Jaredites scouted the entire Great Lakes region and then chose the most strategic spot for trade and commerce as their capital or "land of first inheritance." That location is obviously where the three largest lakes meet which is at the St Marys river or the border between Upper Michigan and Ontario Canada. The most desirable specific location for a city in along that border is where Lake Superior drains into Lake Michigan/Huran at Sault Ste. Marie. That is proposed as the land of Moron, home-base for the Jaredites.
Modern Feature Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Geolocation: N 46° 30' 55.1", W 84° 20' 39.6" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Moroni +17
+[Moroni] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1,2,3} ≈ IR7 AR1 AR3 +[Moroni] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land2,3} +[Moroni]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [EastSea]{sea1} +[Moroni]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ {Lamanite/Nephite border1,4} +[Moroni]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ {seashore2,4} +[Moroni]{city} ⇒ <destroyed> ⇒ {sinking into the sea7} +[Moroni]{city} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [BordersOfNephites]{feature6+5} +[Moroni]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Aaron]{city1} +[Moroni]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Lehi]{city2,3} +[Moroni]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Lehi]{land4} +[Moroni]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Morionton]{city3} +[Moroni]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Nephihah]{city1,2,3,4} +[Moroni]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ {people of Ammon4} +[Moroni]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Aaron]{land1} +[Moroni]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Nephihah]{land1} +[Moroni]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ {wilderness east1,4} +[Moroni]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ {wilderness south1,4}
IR7When cities are listed, the order is clockwise bottom to top (6 to 12) and left to right (12 to 3).
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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Moroni is a city founded on the southwest corner of Lake Michigan at the entrance of the Chicago river. Being close to the Lamanite borders, Moroni was the location of a lot of military activity. Moroni is south of all the locations listed as being "near". "Near" is a relative term in that these cities by the sea are not that near by land but have easy access to each via the east sea (Lake Michigan). Therefore in the Book of Mormon narrative there is a lot of migration mentioned between these coastal cities for safety and military reasons.
Modern City Location: Chicago, Illinois. Geolocation: N 41° 53' 14.9", W 87° 37' 06.7" Modern Land Location: Near Chicago, Illinois. Geolocation: N 41° 49' 40.9", W 87° 45' 02.7" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Moronihah +1
+[Moronihah] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1,2} ≈ AR1 AR3 +[Moronihah]{city} ⇒ <destroyed> ⇒ {covered with earth1,2}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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For the city of Moronihah, the name indicates the Nephite general, the son of Moroni, so it would be somewhere in Nephite territory. We also know the city was destroyed by being buried under a mountain. So I have placed it in hilly region near to other cities covered with earth, and in a prime and elevated location not yet claiming a Nephite cities nearby - at the junction of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers.
Modern City Location: Wyalusing State Park, Wisconsin. Geolocation: N 42° 59' 37.1", W 91° 06' 16.8" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : MulekLand +2
+[MulekLand] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land area1} +[MulekLand]{land area} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [LehiLand]{land area1} |
From a more global perspective, the lands south and north (From the mouth of the Mississippi up to Canada and beyond) were named Lehi and Mulek although these designations were rarely used because most of the historical records focus on more limited areas. Going south to north, LehiLand extends from the mouth of the Mississippi to somewhat north of St Louis, inclusive.
Modern Land Location: Starting 100 miles north of St Louis and extending to Lake Superior. Geolocation: N 44° 10' 24.7", W 89° 35' 09.1" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : Mulek +5
+[Mulek] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1,2,3,4} ≈ AR1 AR3 +[Mulek]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Bountiful]{city2,3,4} +[Mulek]{city} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [EastSea]{sea1} +[Mulek]{city} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [BordersOfNephites]{feature6+5} +[Mulek]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Gid]{city1,4}
AR1When compatible with Entity Relationships, cities and features are placed along navigable rivers or water ways, especially near where the mouth of the river empties into a lake or sea or where two rivers meet, but not in river flood plains.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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Mulek is an important city mentioned during the war of Amalickiah. It is in the land of Bountiful and separated from the city of Bountiful by "plains". Mulek is thus placed in St Ignace which qualifies by being separated from the city of Bountiful by plains and by being strategically situated near the Straits of Mackinac. In this location, Mulek would be the first city the Lamanites would encounter coming up, either by land or sea, from the south on the way to the Bountiful/Desolation border (St Marys river) and on the way to Bountiful.
Modern City Location: St Ignace, Michigan. Geolocation: N 45° 51' 08.5", W 84° 42' 16.7" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : NarrowPass +10
+[NarrowPass] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {sea route1} ≈ IR2 AR3 +[NarrowPass]{sea route} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [WestSea]{sea1} +[NarrowPass]{sea route} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Bountiful]{land2} +[NarrowPass]{sea route} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Desolation2]{land3} +[NarrowPass]{sea route} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [EastSea]{sea1} +[NarrowPass]{sea route} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [LineBountifulDesolation]{passage1} +[NarrowPass]{sea route} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [Desolation]{land1} +[NarrowPass]{sea route} ⇒ <is> ⇒ {militarily strategic2} +[NarrowPass]{sea route} ⇒ <leads to> ⇒ {land northward1,2} +[NarrowPass]{sea route} ⇒ <leads to> ⇒ {land southward1} +[NarrowPass]{sea route} ⇒ <sea journey to> ⇒ [Lehi]{land1}
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The "narrow pass" is the entrance to the "narrow passage" (see also the entity "LineBountifulDesolation") which is the route between the east and west seas that forms the border between the lands Bountiful and Desolation. As a militarily strategic place the narrow pass, narrow passage, line Bountiful/Desolation, narrow neck of land, Bountiful, and Desolation are all in the same area and well described in the Book of Mormon narrative. No other place on earth fits the description like the present day border areas between upper Michigan and Ontario Canada.
Modern Feature Location: De Tour Passage, Michigan. Geolocation: N 45° 59' 30.6", W 83° 53' 20.4" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : NarrowPassage +3
+[NarrowPassage] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {border1} ≈ IR2 AR3 +[NarrowPassage]{passage} ⇒ <same as> ⇒ [LineBountifulDesolation]{border2} +[NarrowPassage]{passage} ⇒ <leads to> ⇒ {land southward1}
IR2Assume a tight controlled translation and treat the precise wording of the text as being significant. Give priority to our best available rendition of the original text.
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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The "narrow passage" is a border between the land south and the land north (see also the entity "LineBountifulDesolation") which forms the border between the lands Bountiful and Desolation. As a militarily strategic place the narrow passage, narrow pass, line Bountiful/Desolation, narrow neck of land, Bountiful, and Desolation are all in the same area and well described in the Book of Mormon narrative. No other place on earth fits the description like the present day border areas between upper Michigan and Ontario Canada.
Modern City Location: Du Tour Passage, Michigan. Geolocation: N 45° 59 '30.0", W 83° 53' 21.2" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : NeckOfLand +12
+[NeckOfLand] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1,2,3} ≈ AR9 AR10 +[NeckOfLand]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Desolation]{land1,2} +[NeckOfLand]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Hagoth]{ships2} +[NeckOfLand]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [LineBountifulDesolation]{passage1,2} +[NeckOfLand]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [EastSea]{sea1} +[NeckOfLand]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [WestSea]{sea1,2} +[NeckOfLand]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [GreatJarediteCity]{city3} +[NeckOfLand]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [WhereSeaDividesLand]{feature3} +[NeckOfLand]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ {land northward1,2} +[NeckOfLand]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ {land southward1,2} +[NeckOfLand]{land} ⇒ <is in> ⇒ [Bountiful]{land1,2} +[NeckOfLand]{land} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [OreMines]{place3} +[NeckOfLand]{land} ⇒ <north of> ⇒ [JarediteLandSouthward]{land1,2} +[NeckOfLand]{land} ⇒ <separates> ⇒ {lands south from north1,2,3}
AR9Water travel with the river current, is calculated at an average speed of 8 hours traveling per day at 5 mph.
AR10Water travel against the river current, is calculated at an average speed of 8 hours traveling per day at 3 mph.
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The "narrow neck of land" is part of the land of Bountiful and is included in the geographical description of the most important, strategical area of Nephite territory. Upper Michigan and the St Marys river border, between Michigan and Ontario, is by far the most extensively described area in all of the Book of Mormon. The fact that Upper Michigan fits so well with the Book of Morman narrative is a major factor in favor on the Zarahemla Centric Heartland Model map. This area was considered critically important for military reasons as well as for controlling trade and migration northward. The distance from Lake Superior to Lake Michigan/Huron is 63.2 miles. According to Section 3.2 Rules of Interpretation Rules of Application, a day and a half journey with the current should be 72 miles and a day and a half journey against the current should be 48 miles for an average of 60 miles, so that is a pretty good match to the actual distance.
Modern Feature Location: Upper Michigan. Geolocation: N 46° 18' 44.8", W 85° 45' 51.8" |
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Jaredite Era.[~2170 BC to ~550 BC] : Nehor +4
+[Nehor] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {land1} ≈ AR3 +[Nehor] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {city1} ≈ AR3 +[Nehor]{city} ⇒ <near> ⇒ [Ephraim]{hill1} ≈ AR3 +[Nehor]{land} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Moron]{land1} ≈ AR3
AR3Present day cities, towns, features and topography serve as a positive indicator of appropriate placements.
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It is proposed that the land of Nehor is essentially the same as the Nephite land of Bountiful, or upper Michigan. It is another touchstone location that is shared by both Nephite and Jaredite cultures.
Modern Land Location: Upper Michigan. Geolocation: N 46° 10' 46.0" W 87° 34' 13.8" |
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Reign of the Judges [91 BC to 30 AD] : NarrowStrip +8
+[NarrowStrip] ⇒ <is> ⇒ {wilderness1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11} +[NarrowStrip]{wilderness} ⇒ <distance> ⇒ {12 days6} ≈ AR7 +[NarrowStrip]{wilderness} ⇒ <distance> ⇒ {many days5} +[NarrowStrip]{wilderness} ⇒ <is> ⇒ {travel route2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11} +[NarrowStrip]{wilderness} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Nephi]{city2,7,8,9} +[NarrowStrip]{wilderness} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{city1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11} +[NarrowStrip]{wilderness} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Nephi]{land2,7,8,9} +[NarrowStrip]{wilderness} ⇒ <borders> ⇒ [Zarahemla]{land1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11}
AR7Average military or emergency civilian travel marching distances are calculated at 8 hours traveling per day at 2.5 mph.
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This important feature defines an homogeneous piece of land separating Nephi from Zarahemla (see 3.2 Rules of Interpretation IR4). It is the alluvial plain of the Mississippi river north of St Louis Missouri and is called a "wilderness" and a "narrow strip of wilderness" in the Book of Mormon. We know it was frequently traveled and it was a twelve days journey for Limhi's people to walk/flee with their flocks and herds, starting two days south of the city of Nephi. So the estimated 10 days distance based on 3.2 Rules of Interpretation is 200 miles with Rule 7 (IR7). The google map distance between the city of Nephi (St. Louis Missouri) and Zarahemla is 188 miles when following the modern highway route. The "narrow strip of wilderness" part is 188 miles (travel is not in a straight line) with the last 12 miles being overland (land of Minon) away from the river because of the Des Moines rapids.
Modern Feature Location: Mississippi river valley between St Louis Missouri and Keokuk Iowa. Geolocation: N 39° 31' 52.4", W 91° 03' 52.2" |
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