the only thing that doesn't make sense about him transplanting the plates is that Joseph and Brigham actually went into a huge cave with lots of plates, inside Cumorah. It was not a vision as they actually entered. That, and everything that Joseph said about Nephite civ taking place in north and south america. It's in doctrines of salvation...if ya have gospelink check it out. here are some quotes Joseph Fielding Smith Furthermore, There are many accounts of the City of Manti being located in Missouri. There are more there. feel free to read. I do not care much about the Locations, but for the sole fact that the Prophets and Apostles have never EVER said anything to suggest that the Nephites did not possess the Land northward. They have, in fact taught the opposite A LOT. Many of them claim to have received revelation about it. They clearly state that The book of Mormon lands included New York and the USA. Something Joseph Fielding said disturbed me too. "Because of this theory some members of the Church have become confused and greatly disturbed in their faith in the Book of Mormon". I did not even imagine that this theory was hurting people, but apparently it is, according to Joseph Fielding. That is the only reason I post on this thread. I do not debate the fact that the nephites and Lamanites were in South and central America, but i simply assert that according the what prophets and apostles have said, including Joseph Smith, It happened in North America too. And....the hill cumorah was Ramah, and when the prophet saw the many waters in the vicinity, he stated they were Ripliancum.