A Visit to the Mark Twain House, Hartford, CT, USA

Samuel Clemens Langhorne better known by his pen name, Mark Twain, was a beloved American writer, author, humorist, essayist, and lecturer. Born in 1835, in Florida, Missouri, his intrepid spirit would take him across the United States and around the world, including living in Hartford, Connecticut. Taking a tour of the Mark Twain house and the museum in Hartford, Connecticut was like taking a step back in time. The stunning 11,500 square foot house built in 1874 has 25 rooms and provides a glimpse into Mark Twain’s and his family’s lavish lifestyle. 

Mark Twain House Gardens

If you are planning a visit to Hartford, a visit to the Mark Twain house should be on your list of things to do whether you love Mark Twain and his many books or love historic architecture. We visited the Museum on Saturday, July 20, 2024, and watched a short film on Samuel Clemens Langhorne’s interesting life, followed by a fascinating 1-hour guided tour of the Mark Twain house designed by New York Architect Edward Tuckerman Potter.

Samuel’s birth on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri, coincided with the arrival of Halley’s comet. Ironically, he died at the age of 74 on April 21, 1910, at his home, Stormfield, in Redding, Connecticut, when Halley’s comet came by again. During his lifetime, he would travel the world, and experience great successes and great losses.

He married Olivia Langdon Clemens in 1870 in Elmira, New York, and had four children, Langdon Clemens (1870-1872, he died from diphtheria), Olivia Susan Clemens “Susy” (1872-1898), Clara Langhorne Clemens Samossoud (1874-1962), and Jane “Jean” Lampton Clemens (1880-1909).

Mark Twain, Debra C. Argen & Edward F. Nesta

Moving to Hartford, Samuel Clemens had a mansion constructed for his family. Completed in 1874, the family lived in an 11,500 square foot house with 25 rooms until 1891. When you see the size of the home and its opulent design and décor, it should be noted that growing up he lived in much more humbler circumstances. It was through his hardworking and enterprising spirit, working from the age of 11 as a printer’s apprentice, and later trying his hand at various jobs that took him across the United States to Hawaii, Arizona, New Orleans, Louisiana where he worked as a riverboat pilot, and many other states, as well as around the world, that he forged his way to success.

Unfortunately, the Clemens family lived extravagantly and along with his poor financial investments, facing financial hardship, the family left Hartford and moved to Europe in 1891 for a less expensive lifestyle. As a humorist, essayist, and lecturer, he traveled the world and achieved financial success again.

After his daughter Susy died in 1896, the family sold the Hartford property in 1903. In 1908, the family moved to Redding, Connecticut where he died in 1910.

Mark Twain Saying – Prince and the Pauper

A beloved author, Mark Twain’s books have captivated readers’ imaginations with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876), The Prince and the Pauper (1881), Life on the Mississippi (1883), Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1889), and so many more.

Taking a tour of Mark Twain’s Hartford home was like visiting an old and dear friend. We loved the time we spent and look forward to another visit. Until next time, keep enjoying and supporting the arts!

Mark Twain Hours: Daily 9:30 am until 5:30 pm. All tours are guided.

Ticketing General House Tour: Seniors (ages 65+): $25, Adults (ages 17-64): $27, Children: (6-16): $15, Children under the age of 6: Free

Ticketing Living History Tour: Seniors (ages 65+): $30, Adults (ages 17-64): $30, Children: (1-16): $22, Not recommended for children under the age of 8 years of age.

Directions and Parking Information: Please visit their website: https://marktwainhouse.org/visit/directions-parking/

Mark Twain House
351 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105
Telephone: +1-860-247-0998
Website: https://marktwainhouse.org/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarkTwainHouse
Instagram: www.instagram.com/themarktwainhouse

Read more about our experiences in Hartford, Connecticut in the Arts, Destinations, Liquor Cabinet, and Restaurants sections.

 Travel Distances to Hartford, Connecticut from:

For more information on what is happening in Hartford, Connecticut, please visit these websites: 

Hartford.com:  https://hartford.com/ where their slogan is “No Mo’ Fomo” (No More Fear Of Missing Out).

 LetsGoArts.org: https://letsgoarts.org/
The Greater Hartford Arts Council’s website with a full schedule of arts events and exhibitions.

CTVisit.com: https://ctvisit.com/
The State of Connecticut’s official tourism website

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