Home of Mark Twain - Hannibal, Missouri

June 2017, right around my birthday, I went to Hannibal. I saw the historic home of Samuel Clemens, or better known as, Mark Twain. I got to view it by riverboat, as well as trolley. I went to museums. Where I purchased books about "Haunted Hannibal" and "Molly Brown from Hannibal, Missouri: Her Life in the Gilded Age." (Those that do not know, Molly Brown was on the Titanic when it sank. However, she was not one that died.)

This is actually the oldest wall that is still standing in Historic Hannibal. They have some pretty unique shops, where I was able to get a Native American totem pole, and a sketch of Mark Twain driving his river boat, as well as two books that were autographed by the authors. Below, I got a shot of a Tiger Lily, growing by this historic wall.

Right next to the historical building where people pay for their trolley rides, there is a small garden with a gazebo.

The view of the Mississippi River offers a view of what is known as 'Lovers Leap.' A beautiful sight. The story of the name 'Lovers Leap' is about two individuals from two different Native American tribes who fell in love. However, the two different Native American tribes were in a war against each other. The lovers were found together, and they jumped off the cliff of 'Lovers Leap'. Of course, they end the story with a happy ending, by saying, "they landed on a barge, moved far away, had many Native American babies, and lived happily ever after." THE END. However, I do not think they really know how this story ended.

These views were actually taken via trolley. In which we were allowed to get off the trolley to take pictures. We even passed by the cemetery, which I am sure will be mentioned in the "Haunted Hannibal" book that I purchased. If interested, they offer Ghost Tours of Hannibal.

Apparently, Mark Twain Shrine is near Mark Twain Lake, where the cabin Mark Twain was born resides. I bought a Mark Twain Quote book that reminded me of an assignment that I had to do in American Literature 2 class in college, as well as some pins that I have started collecting. They showed a short film about Mark Twain.

It was definitely a great time.

This event was exactly something that I would like to do in my own family. I wish that I had been available to attend the Roy Family Reunion in Maine in 1994. Knowing that my maternal grandmother's ancestry leads right to Acadia. I would have probably learned much more about her genealogy. Unfortunately, we weren't part of the correct circles to get this information. However, to actually take a tour of where my Native American ancestors have been would be a dream come true. Learning all the stories that may be passed along in families.