Riser Boot and Shoe Shop

This building was the home and shop of George and Christiana Riser. They demonstrated their faith by joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They lived what they believed by their work ethic and by providing meaningful work for other new converts in the city.

The restored two-story brick building looks small and solitary on its partial lot along Nauvoo’s Main Street. But, when the building was first completed in 1843, it was part of a vibrant garment manufacturing district full of shops making hats, suits, dresses, gloves, and other clothing. The 256 square feet of floor space (24 m2) was more than adequate for a shop that employed a master shoemaker and at least three apprentices from 1843 to 1846. The Riser family lived in two rooms upstairs and likely had a kitchen in the basement.