Finding the Treasure
(Part 1 of 3)
Of course, you have heard the name Mark Twain and probably read his books, but do you know about the man behind the pen? Finding the treasure of “who” Mark Twain was takes more than just reading his amazing stories.
It will take a few hours of your time—and a quick trip to the small river town of Hannibal, Missouri. There, you will learn and experience some really cool things. (I promise, it’s a trip worth the detour!)
One property that opened in 1912 as a single tourist site has since grown to a cluster of 8 properties known today as the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum.
Because there is so much to see and learn, I decided to do a 3-part series, starting with his boyhood home.
But, first things first….
Location:
415 N Main Street
Hannibal, MO 63401
Museum:
(573) 221-9010
Hours:
Nov-Mar: 10a-4p, daily
Apr-Oct: 10a-5p, daily
Fees: $6-11
Includes 5 historic properties & 2 museums.
Website:
MarkTwainMuseum.org
The Clemens home in Hannibal affectionately known as Mark Twain's Boyhood Home.
Let's Lay a Little Groundwork
It began in 1911 when a local attorney, George A. Mahan, purchased an old home falling to ruin, then later gifted the property to the city of Hannibal.
He felt preserving the building taught an important lesson—namely, those of humble beginnings could achieve great things.
Thanks to forward thinking, Mark Twain's boyhood home has survived more than 100 years and is indeed a national treasure.
The Mahans gave the statue of Huck and Tom to the city as well. These gifts laid the groundwork for Hannibal’s tourist industry.
Wondering where the ever-famous whitewash fence was located?
Beginning the Tour
You can start your tour at either the museum or the home. One ticket gets you in all 8 sites. We’ll start with the home.
The arched entrance set in “Tom Sawyer's fence” leads you to the Interpretive Center where tickets are purchased for the self-guided tour.
Take your time and get ready to read. There’s plenty of info about the real person behind all the stories—Samuel Langhorne Clemens.
One of many displays inside the Interpretive Center shows life in Hannibal along with quotes by Mark Twain.
Finding the Treasure Inside the Interpretive Center
Once inside the large Center, treasure finding begins. Floor to ceiling info boards contain old photos of both the Clemens family and Hannibal’s past. They also have quotes by Samuel Clemens, his parents, and from his writings.
Personal items once used by the family are on display with stories about each object. Are you curious about Sam Clemens’ life events? Then you will love the wall filled with dates, places, and memorabilia fitting it all together.
(FYI….after leaving the Interpretive Center, follow the walkway around to Huck’s home before seeing Mark Twain’s boyhood home. We cover it in part-2)
First section of the timeline shows events in Samuel Clemens life with memorabilia and photographs.
End of Samuel Clemens life timeline displays an original copy of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and a photo of Clemens standing outside his boyhood home during last trip to Hannibal.
Connecting the Sites
After enjoying stories from “Mark Twain’s” past, exit the center and walk through a beautifully landscaped courtyard to the boyhood home.
Part of the tour includes connecting areas between buildings. Some are completely enclosed by fencing, maintaining an easy flow from building to building. Others require showing your ticket for entry.
(As you can see, our visit was during early fall, just as trees were putting on their colorful show.)
Brick walkway in the courtyard leads visitors from the Interpretive Center to the Clemens home.
Each room in the house has information boards and a statue of Mark Twain.
Home Sweet Home
Samuel Langhorne Clemens was born in Florida, Missouri on November 30th, 1835. The family moved to Hannibal when he was 4 and this home was one of the places they lived. Sam remained in Hannibal until he was 17-years old.
Room furnishings and sizes indicate the family’s limited resources, however, boyhood memories greatly influenced his writings.
Rooms are viewed through windows or door openings covered with Plexiglas.
Second floor view of father's office across the street.
Same window from the outside
Friends and family members, including Sam’s mother and sister, were inspiration for characters in both “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
This small town on the Mississippi River was instrumental in shaping one of the greatest writers the world has enjoyed.
Shared bedroom on the 2nd floor.
Finding the Treasure Close to Home
Ask yourself a question. How often do we travel great distances to see sites but skip those historic treasures close to home? We have lived 1½ hours away for 8 years before finally taking time to visit.
So, your homework is to take a map of where you live and draw a 100-mile circle. Find all the interesting places close to home—and go visit! Don’t wait years and years to start finding the treasures close to home. Enjoy where you live.
Now on to part-2....Finding the Treasure that is Mark Twain: Childhood Influences.
Map showing location of Mark Twain sites
About the Mark Twain Home Foundation
The Mark Twain Home Foundation oversees the historic properties, museums, and gift shops. Donations, tour fees, and gift shop sales support the foundation. It receives no state or federal funding.
Its mission is to “promote awareness and appreciation of life and works of Mark Twain and to demonstrate the relevance of his stories and ideas to citizens of the world.”
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
