NewVistas Foundation Website

The community layout of NewVistas follows a city plot pattern created by Joseph Smith in June of 1833. The plot was awarded the 1996 Planning Landmark Award by the American Planning Association in part for the high value it placed on the "quality of the urban environment and the importance of a coherent community." Important Note: The information on this webpage is presented for historical interest only. The NewVistas model is not presented as a fulfillment of Joseph Smith's vision. It is not supported or endorsed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).

Connection to NewVistas Model

Transcription of the Plot's Margin Notes

Transcription (Belliston 2014) of all of the margin notes on the front and back of the June 1833 plot. Transcriptions in other sources include small changes. This transcription is taken from the plot itself.

Commentary on the Explanation of the Joseph Smith Plot

Paper (Hall 2013) explains of some of the terms, measurements, calculations and implications in Joseph Smith's June 1833 plot.

Errors in the Plot Drawing

Brief paper (Hall 2013) describes a few errors in the plot drawing that do not conform to the written description.

Calculations Regarding Lot Orientation

Table (Hall 2013) compares lot orientation in the drawing in the June 1833 Plot and David Hall's revised drawing.

Letter Accompanying the June 1833 Plot

Letter from Joseph Smith that accompanied the June 1833 plot. The plot is mentioned only briefly on the second page. Joseph Smith Papers.

Other Information

Mormon City Plats

PowerPoint (Belliston 2014) shows the June 1833 plot and several subsequent Mormon city plats. The NewVistas community layout follows the original June 1833 layout.

Orientation East

Paper (Ksiazkiewicz 2013) discusses historical orientation of maps. In the 15th century, some maps were oriented with east at the top. The June 1833 plot is oriented with east at the top, suggesting a 15th-16th century approach to unlocking its meaning.

Measurements of the Plot

Paper (Belliston 2014) briefly describes the mile, perch, rod, and acre, which are measurements used in the June 1833 plot. Some of these measurements have reference to 15th and 16th century concepts.

Zion Plat Configurations

Paper (Belliston 2015) identifies all of the possible plat configurations that are similar to the June 1833 plot. None presents any clear advantages over the June 1833 plot.

The Temple Lot: Visions and Realities

Article (Hamer, 2009) - Since Joseph Smith announced this revelation on July 20, 1831 — just over a year after the organization of the church — the "Temple Lot" in Independence, Missouri, has held a special significance for members of the Latter Day Saint movement.

Mapping Mormon Settlement in Caldwell County, Missouri

Article (Hamer, 2008) - Describes methods and maps historical presence of Mormon settlement.

High Resolution Kirtland Plat

High resolution image of the plat of Kirtland, Ohio shows details.

High Resolution Expanded Kirtland Plat

High resolution image of the expanded plat of Kirtland shows details, including the writing surrounding the plat. This is a copy of a surveyed plat of William Beals. The copy was made by Frederick G. Williams.

Historic LDS Far West

Web Link (Clio) - On this site was once a settlement by the LDS/Mormon church that existed from 1836-1838.

Smith and Town Planning

Paper (Ksiazkiewicz 2015) discusses Joseph Smith's June 1833 plot in the context of early American town planning.

Building Zion the LDS Legacy of Urban Planning

Article (Galli) presents an interesting discussion of the plat of the city of Zion, past, present, and future.

Plot Language

Paper (Carmack 2015) discusses the 16th and 17th century origins and meaning of much of the language of the June 1833 plot.

Discovery of Far West Plat

Article (LDS Church News 1990) discusses plat of Far West, Missouri. The plat was discovered in 1985 in the attic of a farmhouse previously owned by George M. Hinkle.

Revised Plat of the City of Zion

Revised plat drawn by Frederick G. Williams in August 1833. Expands the dimensions and the number of lots prescribed in the June 1833 plot and makes other revisions. Joseph Smith Papers.

Times and Seasons Vol. VI, No. 2

Issue of 1845 LDS Church publication sets out the prescriptions of the June 1833 plot, as well as related instructions and historical details. The article shows that the prescriptions were available to Church leaders and were still considered relevant in 1845. Times and Seasons, vol. VI, no. 2, Feb. 1, 1845.