I was scouring the internet, researching travel destinations to cover in my Forgotten Places articles, when I heard on a TV show about a family taking a trip to the homes of Great American Authors. She related this experience with her eyebrows raised and a "Wow, that was boring look".

I had to honestly think and about the last time I had heard the name Mark Twain. To be honest it was not very recent. For the purposes of this article I will refer to the author as "Mark Twain" since I never had the pleasure to meet the man with the pen "Samuel Clemens".

With almost a book published every year from 1867 to 1909, 42 years, it was easy for people to see that he was a craftsman with the written word. However, in today's world of big book deals and Harry Potter epics, it seems that many Americans forget Twain's contributions to America and American literature. However, I will save that for a personal diatribe for people around me and use this to let you know how you can reach out and find out more about this influential author.

Two places are able to claim landmarks significant to Mark Twain's history. One is the home in Hartford Connecticut that the citizens restored, and keep open for tourists. The one that I bring to you today is the boyhood home and museum, found along the mighty Mississippi in Missouri.

If you placed 415 North Main St. into a mapping search engine, you might see the little town of Hannibal, Missouri. You might even see the river just to the edge over the railroad tracks. However, we all know that maps and books can only get you so far.

A foundation has purchased Hannibal with a goal to maintain the town's heritage and history. Visitors can tour the real homes of several of his feature characters, along with places where the young author found work.

One of the things that I believe would help bring home the life of Mark Twain for all of those who visit Hannibal, is to stop by the Planters Barn Theater. If you are traveling there between June and September, you can look onto a stage and have a "Mark Twain" actor tell you all about the author's life and travels.

Things to bring:
Unfortunately, bring some money. To tour the homes, the shops and attend the Show, you would spend approximately $20 dollars a person for adults. A little less for seniors and children (6-12), and admission for little ones under 6 years old is free for most events.

Within two hours of Hannibal, you will find the towns of St. Louis, Missouri, and Springfield, Illinois.

To follow up more on offerings in Mark Twain's birthplace, follow these links.
http://www.marktwainmuseum.org/index.php

http://www.visithannibal.com

Here you will find more about his home in Hartford, CT.
http://www.marktwainhouse.org