To be quite honest. . . there is absolutely NO proof that the places described in the bofM ever existed. The academic world (which is no supporter of Christianity) has long established that the bofM is a fictional work, with NO factual basis. If I am wrong on this, please point me to a non-mormon reference. Thanks.
The academic world are free to think whatever they want, those who move by faith don't need to have proof of anything.