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LDS Discussions

Episode 1 of 82 · · 2 hr 41 min · Mormon Stories #1575

Joseph Smith and Treasure Digging w/ LDS Discussions – 01

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About this episode

In this episode, we explore the fascinating and lesser-known history of Joseph Smith’s treasure digging, a critical aspect of his early life that raises important questions about the origins of Mormonism. While often overlooked, Joseph’s involvement in folk magic and treasure-seeking practices sheds light on his evolving role as a religious leader and how these activities may have influenced the creation of the Book of Mormon.

In the early 19th century, belief in buried treasures and folk magic was widespread in rural New York. Local farmers and villagers believed that ancient treasures were hidden in the earth and could be found through the help of seers who used magical tools like seer stones. Joseph Smith became known as one of these seers, claiming he could locate lost objects and buried treasures by peering into a stone placed inside a hat. He convinced others that his stone showed him the location of hidden riches, leading to several treasure-digging expeditions with local supporters.

Joseph’s treasure-hunting career is well-documented, with one of the most significant pieces of evidence being the 1826 court record from Bainbridge, New York. In this case, Joseph was charged as a “disorderly person” for his activities as a glass-looker—a term for someone who used a stone to seek hidden treasures. While defenders of Joseph downplay this event, the record highlights how deeply his reputation was tied to treasure digging and raises questions about how his seer abilities were viewed by those around him.

These treasure digs often ended in disappointment, with Joseph explaining that the treasure would “slip away” or disappear due to a curse or insufficient faith among the group. Despite the failures, Joseph’s persuasive charisma kept people invested in his abilities. Interestingly, this same seer stone played a central role in translating the Book of Mormon just a few years later, suggesting a continuity between his treasure-seeking and religious activities.

By the late 1820s, Joseph began shifting away from treasure digging and refocused his energies on religious claims. The transition was gradual but significant. The Book of Mormon project began around the same time his treasure expeditions faded, raising questions about how his previous experiences shaped his later religious work. Did the skills Joseph developed as a treasure seer—using a seer stone, telling elaborate stories, and explaining why hidden things couldn’t be seen—translate into his role as a prophet and scripture translator?

For many Latter-day Saints, the connection between treasure digging and early Mormonism can feel surprising, especially since the church traditionally minimized these details. However, understanding Joseph Smith’s treasure-seeking context offers valuable insights into how the early Mormon movement took shape. It paints a fuller picture of his life and the environment that inspired his later religious claims.

Far from being a fringe story, Joseph Smith’s treasure-digging activities are a key part of Mormon history that deserve careful consideration.

LDS Discussions Essay: Treasure Digging

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Originally published on mormonstories.org.

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