Exactly where the Jaredites landed is not known. Some say they landed in what would later be known as Central America.29 Others have suggested the western shores of North America.30 Yet others have suggested the southwestern shores of the Gulf of Mexico.31
Once the travelers landed, they were filled with the Spirit of the Lord. We know this because they bowed down before God, shedding “tears of joy” before him, and spiritual promptings sometimes move us to shed tears of joy. The Holy Ghost causes our feelings to be more tender; we feel more charitable and compassionate, calmer, with more capacity to love.
The original Jaredites were “taught from on high.” The Lord’s people are always to be “taught from on high” (D&C 43:16). A census was taken and a family council convened before their spiritual leaders passed on.