It is difficult to overvalue the Newel K. Whitney Store as an important historical site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In early February 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith bounded out of a sleigh and into the store following a journey from the Fayette, New York, area. At that time, he introduced himself to Newel K. Whitney, who would later be called as the second bishop in the church.
Over the next seven years, the store became the site where Joseph and Emma Smith resided; the School of the Prophets was held; there were visions of deity; the LDS Church was headquartered; Joseph Smith III was born; the First Presidency was put in place; the Joseph Smith Translation was completed; and where 17 sections of the Doctrine and Covenants were received. These sections included the Prophecy on War, revelations on priesthood and the Word of Wisdom.
Presently, more than 100,000 people visit this historic site a year. Wilford and Lilian Wood purchased the store in the 1960s and following the death of Wilford, Lilian later donated it to the church. President Gordon B. Hinckley accepted title on behalf of the LDS Church.