In late 1839 , arriving Mormons bought Commerce_buy the small town of Commerce , and in April 1840 it was renamed Name_conferral `` Nauvoo '' ( a Hebrew word meaning `` beautiful place '' or `` city beautiful '' ) by Joseph Smith , the latter day prophet of the Latter Day Saint movement .

Nauvoo today is an important tourist destination for Latter Day Saints ( Mormons ) and others who come to see its restored historical buildings and visitor centers .