The City of Gideon was a primary Nephite settlement located in the valley of the same name, within the land of Gideon on the eastern side of the River Sidon. This city was named in honor of Gideon, a notable Nephite figure who opposed the rule of the wicked King Noah and later fell to the sword of Nehor. The valley of Gideon first appears in the Book of Mormon as a tactical encampment in the conflict between the Nephite forces led by Alma the Younger and the Amlicites—a dissenting group—indicating its strategic significance and proximity to Zarahemla (Alma 2:20).
After Alma the Younger renounced the judgment-seat in favor of Nephihah, he traveled to Gideon and delivered sermons to the people there, commending their faithfulness and teaching of the forthcoming coming of Christ (Alma 6:7–8:10). His words were instrumental in establishing the church in Gideon around 83 B.C.
Some years later, the City of Gideon was the site of a confrontation with Korihor, an anti-Christ who attempted to preach false doctrine in the city but was met with resistance and was brought before the high priest and chief judge of the land (Alma 30:21, 23). During the internal struggles within the Nephite nation, the city played a role as a refuge for Pahoran, the chief judge, who regrouped there to seek support from Captain Moroni to retake Zarahemla from the control of the king-men (Alma 61:5, 15; 62:3-7).
Despite its earlier mentions as a location of righteousness and pivotal events, the City of Gideon was prophesied by Samuel the Lamanite to suffer woes due to the wickedness of its inhabitants around 6 B.C. (Hel. 13:15). The narrative and mentions of Gideon in the Book of Mormon provide insights into its geographical importance, serving both as a place for religious reaffirmation and as a vital locale in times of military engagement and political turmoil.