The historic town of Hannibal is celebrated around the world as the boyhood home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain (1835–1910). He drew from his childhood settings for his novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The numerous historical sites associated with him and places depicted in his writings attract both American and international tourists who continue to contribute significantly to the Hannibal economy.

This area dropped onto the national consciousness after its acquisition as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Hannibal was laid out in 1819 but was not much of a boomtown as evidenced by the fact that it had attracted all of 30 residents by 1830. Just like so many of these river cities, it took increased steamboat traffic and construction of railroads to stimulate growth. By 1850 (Sam Clemens was 15 by then) Hannibal boasted 2,020 residents and grew from there.

We were met on the pier by a cute, dressed-in-period-clothing Tom Sawyer and his crush, Becky. These two are at the end of their year-long tenure and will be replaced by a new couple being selected right now actually. They encouraged pictures and chatted with us like the PR vets that they are. After their warm greeting we strolled the few blocks to Main Street and started exploring the historic, charming, manicured downtown. We shopped, went to Becky’s house, Mark Twin’s house, and to the museum which proudly houses a collection of Norman Rockwell originals based on the nation’s love of a good tale by Mark Twain.

Hannibal is also the birthplace of Margaret Brown (1867-1932), posthumously known as the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” of Titanic fame. The cottage where she was born is now the Molly Brown Birthplace and Museum. A costumed Molly B. came aboard and spoke about her life and times. We were spellbound for an hour. Mark Twin himself dropped by this evening to entertain us with recollections of his life, times, and guiding philosophies. He looked the part in his white three-piece suit and jaunty mustache. He, like Molly, were among our favorite emtertainers.

We’re all heading to bed amazed that tomorrow will be our last day on the water.

... Fun Facts …

Cement for the Empire State Building and the Panama Canal
was manufactured down the road form here.

Cyd, Dan, and I have visited Molly B.’s Denver home.

In 1971, on our way to Dan’s first Army assignment, he and I spent a fun day here.