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Mark Twain - Steamboat Pilot Statue: A Tribute to Hannibal's Favorite Son

Honoring Mark Twain's steamboat piloting days in Hannibal, Missouri, a landmark celebrating American literature and river history.

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This bronze statue commemorates Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, during his time as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River. Located in Hannibal, Missouri, it serves as a reminder of Twain's deep connection to the river and his formative years in this historic town.

A brief summary to Mark Twain - Steamboat Pilot Statue

  • 100 Hill St, Hannibal, Missouri, 63401, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs of the statue and the riverfront.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum to gain a deeper understanding of his life and works.
  • Take a walk along the riverfront to enjoy the views of the Mississippi River and experience the atmosphere of Hannibal.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Hannibal Visitor Center at 505 North 3rd Street, walk south on North 3rd Street toward Broadway. Turn left onto Broadway and walk east for about 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Hill Street and walk for about 0.2 miles. The Mark Twain - Steamboat Pilot Statue is at 100 Hill St on your left, near the riverfront park area. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    If near the Hannibal Transit bus stop at 3rd and Broadway, take the local bus and ask the driver to let you off near Hill Street. Walk south on Hill Street for about 0.1 miles to 100 Hill St. OATS Transit also provides service to Hannibal, with in-town fares costing $2.00. Contact OATS Transit at 660-415-0901 to schedule a ride.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Hannibal. A short trip from downtown Hannibal to the statue should cost approximately $5 - $10. Uber pickup times may be longer than in bigger cities.

  • Driving

    From the East, West, North, or South, follow the brown signs to exit 157 from US Highways 36 or 61. There are several parking options near the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, including the Interpretive Center parking lot at the corner of Main and North Streets, city parking lots at Main and Bird Streets or the 300 Block of Main Street, on-street parking, and parking lots behind the Mark Twain Museum Gallery off Center Street or Broadway and at the Riverfront area accessible from Center Street or Broadway. Parking is free in public parking areas downtown.

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Discover more about Mark Twain - Steamboat Pilot Statue

The Mark Twain - Steamboat Pilot Statue, located in Hannibal, Missouri, pays homage to the early life of Samuel Clemens, the legendary author known as Mark Twain. Before he penned classics like *The Adventures of Tom Sawyer* and *Adventures of Huckleberry Finn*, Clemens spent time as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River, an experience that profoundly shaped his writing. The statue, commissioned by Fred Schwartz, a farmer from Illinois, was created by an artist in China and dedicated on July 4th, 2003. It depicts a young Samuel Clemens as he appeared around the age of 23, sporting a pompadour hairstyle and sideburns, dressed in a low-cut frock coat, vest, and high collar with a necktie, based on an 1858 photograph. The statue stands in a riverfront park near the steamboat landing, a fitting location that connects Twain's early career with the river that inspired him. Visitors to the statue can reflect on Twain's legacy and his connection to Hannibal, a city that embraces its role as Twain's boyhood home. The statue is near other attractions, such as the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the rich narrative of Twain's life. The surrounding area features plaques and exhibits detailing the history of steamboating and its influence on American literature. Nipper Park at Glascock's Landing, where the statue is located, was renovated in 2021 and includes a rock wall, sidewalks, lighting, and green space.

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