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.
Scriptural Description
Alma 17:1 And now it came to pass that as Alma was journeying from the land of Gideon southward, away to the land of Manti, behold, to his astonishment, he met with the sons of Mosiah journeying towards the land of Zarahemla.
Alma 16:6 And it came to pass that Alma inquired of the Lord concerning the matter. And Alma returned and said unto them: Behold, the Lamanites will cross the river Sidon in the south wilderness, away up beyond the borders of the land of Manti. And behold there shall ye meet them, on the east of the river Sidon, and there the Lord will deliver unto thee thy brethren who have been taken captive by the Lamanites.
7 And it came to pass that Zoram and his sons crossed over the river Sidon, with their armies, and marched away beyond the borders of Manti into the south wilderness, which was on the east side of the river Sidon.
Alma 43:22 Behold, now it came to pass that they durst not come against the Nephites in the borders of Jershon; therefore they departed out of the land of Antionum into the wilderness, and took their journey round about in the wilderness, away by the head of the river Sidon, that they might come into the land of Manti and take possession of the land; for they did not suppose that the armies of Moroni would know whither they had gone.
Image of Head of the River Sidon
Modern Description
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.
