Statue of Alexander Doniphan

Alexander William Doniphan was a lawyer, military general, and civic leader. He is particularly remembered for defending members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a time of intense persecution in Missouri. He served as legal counsel for the Saints during their expulsion from Jackson County and played a critical role in protecting their rights.

In 1838, as a brigadier general in the Missouri state militia, Doniphan was ordered to execute Joseph Smith and other Church leaders in front of their followers in Far West. Doniphan refused, declaring, “It is cold-blooded murder. I will not obey your order. … If you execute those men, I will hold you responsible before an earthly tribunal, so help me God!” He again defended Joseph and others in court in 1838 and 1839.

In 1918, the state of Missouri erected a monument honoring Colonel Alexander Doniphan. The monument is a large bronze sculpture of Doniphan set atop a marble column. There are bas-reliefs around the base of the column with information about Doniphan and the history of Missouri. The dedication ceremony in 1918 was well attended, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (now known as the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square) performed as part of the ceremonies.

Read more about Alexander Doniphan and his defense of the Saints in Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, vol. 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846 [2018], chapters 30 and 31.

What to Expect

The Statue of Alexander Doniphan is located on the west side of the Ray County Courthouse in Richmond, Missouri. The statue stands in the center of a plaza next to a sign about the history of Richmond. The bronze bas-reliefs and interpretive plaques around the statue provide information on Doniphan’s history, his role in Missouri, and his time serving the United States.