Richmond is the county seat of Ray County. In November 1838, Joseph Smith and several other Church leaders were held here before appearing before a court of inquiry. Alexander Doniphan defended the accused men. After the hearing, the prisoners were moved to Liberty Jail. Today a plaque marks where the prisoners were held in Richmond, and a large statue of Doniphan stands in front of the courthouse.

David Whitmer and his family lived in Richmond for many years, and Oliver Cowdery died at David’s home in 1850. In 1911 Junius F. Wells had a monument built over Oliver Cowdery’s grave. It commemorates the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon. Near the monument are graves of Peter and Mary Whitmer and other members of the Whitmer family. David Whitmer is buried in a separate cemetery in town.

Historic Sites

Interactive Map: Latter-day Saint Places of Interest, Missouri

Points of Interest