Spotlight on historic sites
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JOSEPH SMITH BIRTHPLACE
In South Royalton, Vt., a monument and visitors center mark the birthplace of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Among other exhibits featured at the visitors center — located 4.5 miles northwest of Sharon, Vt., just off Highway 14 — is the hearthstone of the Smith home at the time of Joseph's birth, Dec. 23, 1805.
One hundred years later, on Dec. 23, 1905, the Joseph Smith Monument, with its 38 1/2-foot shaft, was dedicated on the site by President Joseph F. Smith.
A special train brought General Authorities and others from Salt Lake City for the dedication.
Last year, according to visitors center director Elder Lee R. Beckstead, almost 63,000 people visited the historic site. Even more people are expected to view the monument and visitors center this year.
