The history of Nauvoo , Illinois , starts Process_start with the Sauk and Fox tribes who frequented the area .

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 grew Expansion rapidly and for a few years was one of the most populous cities in Illinois .

In 1849 Icarians moved Motion to the Nauvoo area to implement a utopian socialist commune .

In the early and mid 20th century Nauvoo was primarily a Catholic town , and the majority of the population today is Catholic .

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 .