The Kinderhook Plates: A Controversial Chapter in Mormon History

​The Kinderhook Plates are a fascinating and controversial artifact in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) history. Discovered in 1843 in Kinderhook, Illinois, these six small, bell-shaped brass plates have been at the center of debates about their authenticity, origins, and significance. While initially thought to be an ancient record, they were later exposed as a hoax, shedding light on 19th-century cultural dynamics and the challenges of distinguishing genuine artifacts from forgeries.

Images of the Kinderhook Plates

The Discovery

The plates were reportedly unearthed by local farmers in Kinderhook, Illinois, in a Native American burial mound. According to contemporary accounts, the farmers discovered the plates alongside bones and charcoal while digging into the mound. The plates were engraved with strange symbols, which the discoverers assumed were ancient characters. News of the find spread quickly, attracting the attention of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, residing in nearby Nauvoo, Illinois.

Joseph Smith and the Plates

Joseph Smith had allegedly translated the Book of Mormon from golden plates, which he described as a sacred ancient record. However, the account resembles the ravings of a delusional madman. When the Kinderhook Plates came to his attention, some witnesses claimed he also expressed interest in translating them. According to an account by William Clayton, a close associate of Smith, the prophet stated that the plates contained writings about a descendant of Ham from the Bible.

However, it remains unclear how much Smith actually engaged with the plates. Some historians suggest he only speculated on their content based on the engravings. In contrast, others argue that his involvement was limited and second-hand accounts might have exaggerated his role.

The Hoax Exposed

In the decades following their discovery, skepticism about the Kinderhook Plates grew. In 1855, one of the original discoverers, Wilbur Fugate, confessed that the plates were a deliberate hoax. Fugate and two others had manufactured the plates by etching symbols onto brass sheets, then aging them artificially to make them appear ancient. They intended to expose Smith as a fraud by presenting him with a false artifact to translate.

Despite Fugate’s confession, questions lingered for over a century. The plates had disappeared, making it difficult to definitively prove their origin. In 1961, however, one of the plates resurfaced and was subjected to metallurgical analysis in the 1980s. The tests confirmed that the plate was made using 19th-century methods, consistent with Fugate’s confession.

The Legacy of the Kinderhook Plates

The Kinderhook Plates remain a cautionary tale in studying historical artifacts and religious claims. For critics of the LDS Church, the plates are seen as evidence of Joseph Smith’s fallibility and a broader susceptibility to deception. For others, the episode underscores the importance of examining the context and motivations behind historical events.
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In broader terms, the Kinderhook Plates reflect the cultural and religious ferment of 19th-century America, a time when discoveries of purported ancient artifacts were familiar and often fueled by the public’s fascination with archaeology and scripture. Whether viewed as a clever prank or a failed attempt to discredit a religious leader, the Kinderhook Plates continue to spark discussion and debate, highlighting the complex interplay of faith, history, and skepticism.