The 'Latter Day Saints' had begun migrating to Missouri after Joseph Smith stated that Missouri would be the future center of the New Jerusalem.

Smith had identified Independence, Missouri, as "the center place" and the spot for building a temple.

Smith had first visited Independence in the summer of 1831, and a site had been dedicated for the construction of the temple.

Soon afterward, Mormon converts—most of them from the New England area—had begun immigrating in large numbers to Independence and the surrounding area.

After Mormon leadership leaves Kirtland in 1838, the Saints from Kirtland follow them to Missouri, increasing the church's numbers, which confirms the fears of the local leaders and residents that the Mormons would dominate Missouri politics.