Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, whether considered heretic or prophet, affected many American lives. As the founder of one of the few truly American religions, his death, classified as murder or justice, created a sound dent in United States history. The events leading to, during, and after his assassination not only affect members of the Mormon church, but they also affect the face of the United States …showed first 75 words of 2191 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2191 total…have never prospered in the United States.         Joseph Smith's assassination is a significant historical milestone. Important and interesting events that would be embedded in history occurred prior to, during, and after Smith's assassination. Smith's Mormon religion has shaped America as well, 'Mormons were both product and contributing factor to America's dialogue of becoming.'(Peterson 27) The story of the death of the founder of a truly American religion is undoubtedly a significant episode in history.