Beginning February 4, 1846, some 20 months after the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum, the Mormons were forced to leave Nauvoo and cross the Mississippi River into Iowa.

Before and after the Saints' departure, a series of private Nauvoo Temple dedications were held as portions were completed, including a dedication of the basement and baptismal font on November 8, 1841; the attic rooms for ordinance work on November 30, 1845; the sealing altar on January 7, 1846; and the temple "thus far completed" on February 8, 1846. The final private dedication occurred April 30, 1846.

The last dedication of the temple, conducted by Orson Hyde, was held May 1-3, 1846.

The temple was then abandoned and eventually destroyed by an arson's fire in October 1848. In May of 1850 a tornado knocked one wall down. The remaining three walls were eventually torn down for public safety.

Stones from the temple were used throughout the region for the construction of other buildings. There are at least two structures in Nauvoo still standing which were built with temple stones.

Arched wine cellar built in 1853.

Old Stone Church built in 1860 which is now a vacation rental.