The home was the site of the February 1832 revelation recorded as Section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants, known as 'The Vision'.
Joseph Smith lived in the upstairs bedroom of the home while completing the translation of the Bible.
John Johnson, the home's original owner, was a prominent local farmer who converted to the church after hearing Smith preach.
The house retains much of its original framing and floor plan from the 1830s expansion.
The site remains one of the most significant locations in Ohio for Latter-day Saint history due to the intensity of revelations received there.
The John and Elsa Johnson Home in Hiram, Ohio, is a preserved 19th-century farmhouse that served as the residence of Joseph Smith Jr. and his wife, Emma, from September 1831 to September 1832. It functioned as the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a pivotal period of early church history. The home was the site where Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon worked on the inspired translation of the Bible. On March 25, 1832, a mob attacked the home, dragged Joseph Smith from the house, and attempted to tar and feather him. The structure has been restored to reflect its appearance during the early 1830s. It is maintained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a historic site. The site includes a period-accurate garden and outbuildings that provide context for 1830s frontier life in Ohio.
The front exterior of the white farmhouse from the base of the driveway provides the most complete view.
Coordinate your visit with the nearby historic sites in Kirtland to maximize your historical tour.
Dress in layers, as the historic farmhouse climate can fluctuate significantly depending on the season.
Engage the volunteer missionary guides, as they are often trained in the specific archival history of the property.
Do not attempt to visit without checking the current operational status, as guided tours may be subject to change based on volunteer availability.
Closed on Sundays; seasonal hours may apply during winter months.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor; modest attire is recommended as it is a site of religious significance.
