I absolutely fell in love with this article, published in The Crooked Lake Review blog, which describes Western New York in the 1800s and how that part of NY became the breeding ground for religious "nuts" like J.S., as well as social reformers.

Palmyra was part of the "Burned Over District," the area in Western New York, that gave rise to sweeping religious, secular, artistic and social reform in the 1800s. [Mormonism, Shakers, revivalists, Adventists, The Oneida Community, spiritualism, communal living, women's rights and anti-slavery movements, etc.]

There is an entire section devoted to Joseph Smith in Part III. It provides you a small glimpse into the mindset of J.S. against the backdrop of history.

It also gives information about the Iriquois peoples, and the years preceding the religious and social reformation of Western New York.

I know you history nerds are going to enjoy it. I did!

http://www.crookedlakereview.com/articles/136_150/137fall2005/137martin.html



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/01/2013 11:59AM by Senoritalamanita.