Where in the Americas are the Lands of the Book of Mormon?

About the Book

The Book of Mormon was published in 1830. This book tells us that Lehi and his family sailed from the cost of Arabia after 600 BC. Supposedly, Lehi landed in Peru, and his descendants colonized Columbia and later moved northward through a narrow pass. The Isthmus of Panama has been assumed to be the narrow pass. The land to the north of Panama was supposed to be the land of Desolation. Warfare was common between two groups—Nephites and Lamanites. Roughly AD 400, the Lamanites destroyed the Nephites at the Hill Cumorah, which is said to be in New York, USA. Historic “church” leaders are quoted to support the historic theories. However, the church today has no position on the location of the lands in question, so one may choose for himself where the lands were located. Quoting historic “church” leaders proves nothing. Scientists associated with the historic Archaeological Department of Brigham Young University have presented Mesoamerica as the lands of the book. Mormon told us that the river Sidon ran north to the sea (1981, B of M Index p. 730). The Mississippi runs south and is not the river Sidon. Mormon also told us that the people of Zarahemla (Mulekites) crossed a salt ocean landing at the land of Desolation. Hence, the land of Desolation bordered a salt ocean (Alma 22:30 and 63:5). These facts discount several theories, including the heartland theory and great lakes theories. However, historians quote early “church” leaders as prophets and continue to hold to traditional beliefs. The Book of Mormon is the position of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The lands in question must fit with this book regardless of traditions. The book fits in Mesoamerica. Because people in 1830 had little or no knowledge of the cultures of Mesoamerica, Joseph Smith could not have stolen the book from other authors and the early Mormons could not have written the book. Read Where in the Americas are the Lands of the Book of Mormon” to find out what the Book of Mormon tells us about the lands in question.

About the Author

Eldon Vern Guymon was born in 1936 in Provo, Utah. He is a descendent of the Mormon pioneers including handcart pioneers. As a boy and as a young man, he worked for his Father’s company, L. C. Guymon and Sons Electric. He became a journeyman electrician. Eldon was raised within short walking distance of Brigham Young University. He was personally acquainted with and went to church with notable officials of the University including Dallin Oaks, Hugh Nibley and many professors. He studied religion at BYU. Eldon obtained a B. S. Degree from BYU in Botany with a minor in Agronomy, graduating in 1964. He augmented his education with wildlife management studies provided by the University of California. He considered being an archaeologist with the intent of discounting or supporting the content of The Book of Mormon and has continued to study, research, and review related literature. The book “Where in the Americas are the lands of The Book of Mormon” is essentially a research paper that evaluates the most prominent theories concerning the location of the lands of The Book of Mormon. He was fortunate to marry Dianne Long, Eldon helped Dianne raise seven honest citizens that are gainfully employed and provide quality service to others. Eldon has served in the following positions in his Church: Missionary in Denmark for 30 months, Assistant Scout Master, Webelos Leader, Blazer Leader, Cub Master, Elders Quorum President, Ward Clerk, High Priests Group Leader, Assistant to the High Priest’s Group Leader twice, Sunday School Teacher several times. Branch President in Denmark, Counselor to the Branch President in Del Norte Colorado, Ward Mission Leader twice, Welfare Services Missionary in Carrollton, Texas, and temple ordinance worker. He has carefully studied the Old Testament with particular emphasis on historical events recorded in the Book of Isaiah. Eldon served in the Utah National Guard , and he was employed for a short time at Geneva Steel Plant located in Utah Valley. He began working for the U. S. Forest Service while studying at BYU and served as a biologist for the Forest Service some 39 years. When serving in supervisory positions, his decisions were based on facts, not emotion or prejudice. Eldon was required by his superiors to make decisions that are consistent with the truth. On occasion his biological evaluations reversed commitments made by his superiors. Eldon is not a “yes” man. When it comes to The Book of Mormon, Eldon believes it must be consistent with the facts. Many have tried to disprove this book, bur after 70 years of reviewing the book and associated literature, he understands that the book is consistent with the facts. Eldon has written three books: “Do Mormons have Prophets,” “The Mighty Arm of the Lord,” and “Where in the Americas are the Lands of The Book of Mormon.” He has found sufficient solid evidence to support the faith of his youth. He would share this evidence with those who would base their faith on truth, rather than on emotion, tradition, anger, rebellion, or previously learned traditions. The three books written by Eldon display much of the information that has convinced Eldon that the God of the Bible is God.