The main point of interest we wanted to see in Independence was the Liberty Jail. Nothing remains of the original jail in which Joseph Smith Jr. and others were imprisoned during the winter of 1838-39 except the floor of the Jail. However, the LDS Church has created an exact cutaway replica of the Jail within the walls of this Visitors Center on that original floor. The replica is located in the octagonal shaped building in the upper right. Photo of the original jail. In time, this property was sold, the jail torn down and a house built on the location using the basement of the jail where the prisoners were housed as the basement of the house. Photo of the interior of the basement. Front and only door into the jail. There are two doors which lead to the jailers floor or first floor of the jail. The outer door had to be closed and locked before the inner door was unlocked and opened to keep anyone from leaving unless authorize...