The granite obelisk is one of the largest polished monoliths in the world.
The monument's height of 38.5 feet was specifically chosen to honor each year of Joseph Smith's life.
The site contains the original hearthstone, the only surviving physical component from the actual birth house.
The property covers approximately 300 acres of Vermont landscape.
The monument was transported to the site by a specially built railroad spur and horse-drawn teams in 1905.
The granite for the obelisk was quarried from the nearby Barre, Vermont, region, known for high-quality stone.
The memorial is located on a hill known as Dairy Hill.
The Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial commemorates the 1805 birth of the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the site of his family's former farm. The centerpiece of the 300-acre property is a 38.5-foot tall granite monolith, representing one foot for every year of Smith's life. The site features a visitor center, the original hearthstone from the birth home, and scenic hiking trails through the Vermont hills. It is maintained by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a historic landmark open to the public. The monument was dedicated in 1905 by President Joseph F. Smith on the centennial of the birth. The landscape includes orchards and pastoral views typical of rural New England.
The base of the granite monument looking upward toward the sky provides the most striking perspective.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to explore the trails surrounding the monument.
Bring a camera, as the hilltop location provides expansive views of the Vermont countryside.
Check the visitor center for specialized tours or historical exhibits.
Do not attempt to hike the trails in winter without proper equipment, as paths may be unmaintained and icy.
The visitor center may have reduced hours or limited staffing during winter months.
Visitors are asked to maintain a respectful demeanor consistent with a sacred memorial site.
