Today in History: The Book of Mormon

On this day (September 22) in 1823, John Smith reported that he discovered the golden plates from which he said he translated the word of God into the Book of Mormon. Smith said that the Angel Moroni led him to the site where the plates were buried. Witnesses say the plates were gold in color, weighed 30-60 pounds, and formed thin metallic pages engraved on both sides. After completing his translation, Smith said he returned the plates to the angel but did not elaborate on how this was accomplished.