Gain insight into this unique industry and the importance of the Kirtland Ashery in providing the financial means to build the temple and other Church buildings.
Though an unfamiliar business today, the work accomplished at the Ashery was extremely valuable and important to the Church. Alkali was needed for the production of textiles, glass, tanned leather, gunpowder, paper, soap, and other goods. The Ashery processed raw hardwood ashes into potash and pearlash—two concentrated forms of alkali. The potash and pearlash were then sold to manufacturing plants around the country and in England.
The Kirtland Ashery stands as a symbol of the law of consecration which the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith at Kirtland. Newel K. Whitney built a small operation on this property in 1824 and four years later replaced it with the large industrial complex that has been replicated at this site. He later consecrated the ashery and its proceeds to the Church.
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