My first writeup on the location of Manti was done in 2021. That determination of the article I wrote back then came from a writing from Joseph Fielding Smith. Evidently someone – perhaps Joseph Smith – told the people in Randolph county that they lived where the ancient Book of Mormon City of Manti was. However, there is a problem. The City of Manti in the Book of Mormon is spoken of in that Book of Mormon as being at the head of the River Sidon. And that it is alluded to as being a strategically critical location due to the rivers combining there. I and many others I have spoken with agree with me that Saint Louis is a much better fit.
There are many mounds in the Saint Loius area including Cahokia. However, Cahokia is on the wrong side of the river. Take a look at what Wikipedia says of the location.
Now before you get all up in arms telling me that Cahokia dates to post Book of Mormon times, you are correct. However, to throw it out because you did not look deep enough or search enough of the other areas, that just sounds irrational to me.
Images from Cahokia which post-date the Book of Mormon
Here are images I took as I drove through there on several occasions. I also wish to point out that I do not see a correlation of these mounds in Cahokia to the Book of Mormon as I do not understand the religious significance to many of the mounds on that location and how they tie into this book.
Images Just North of St. Loius
Here are Images from just North St. Loius near St. Peters in between the Mississippi River and the Missouri River. You will see that the existing farm lands have numerous berms that have the appearance of being defensive earthworks. Unfortunately, these mounds are not tested in anyway to determine their age. They may even be of modern make created for irrigation and flood control. But, I doubt it. Enjoy the pictures recognizing that further research is needed.
