Mark Twain, otherwise known as Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was an American author and humorist most famous for his novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Since his death in 1910, his final resting place has become something of a mystery, though most scholars and historians agree that he was interred in the Woodlawn Cemetery, in Elmira, New York.
Twain had been living in London, New York since 1891 and he became increasingly restless in the years leading up to his death. He wanted to be somewhere peaceful and, in June of 1909, he made the decision to move to the family homestead in Quarry Farm, where his sister and her family were living. He was often seen in Elmira visiting family and friends, though he spent some of his declining days in nearby Friendship, New York.
Twain passed away in Redding, Connecticut at the age of 74, on April 21st, 1910, as a result of heart failure. His body was placed in a hearse in Redding and set for burial in Elmira. Several days passed until, on April 25th, 1910, a large funeral procession was held from his sister’s home in Quarry Farm to the family plot in Woodlawn Cemetery. The funeral was well attended by friends, family, and renowned writers from all over the country.
Twain is buried in the Langdon family plot, next to his wife Livy’s parents, Jervis and Julia Langdon. It is next to the Langdon family mausoleum, surrounded by an iron fence and marked with a large granite boulder that is inscribed with Twain’s name, date of birth and date of death.
Twain’s gravestone is engraved with a quote that reads: “Death, the only immortal who treats us all alike, whose pity and whose peace and whose refuge are for all–the soiled and the pure, the rich and the poor, the loved and the unloved.”
Twain’s gravestone is a popular destination for visitors, who come to pay their respects to the great American author. While his gravestone offers a solemn reminder of what has passed, it is also a reminder of the art and literature that he has left behind.
The Legacy of Mark Twain
Mark Twain is one of America’s most beloved authors and celebrated figures. His famous works, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and The Innocents Abroad, were critical successes and cemented him as an essential figure in American literature. As a result of his immense talent, he was awarded honorary degrees from Yale, the University of Missouri, and Oxford. To many, Twain is considered one of the greatest American writers of all time.
Posthumous awards and honors such as the 1979 purchase of his original manuscript of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by the University of Missouri and the 1984 opening of The Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, Connecticut further cemented his legacy. His influence on American society extends beyond the written word into the realms of public policy and social justice.
Twain’s writing was an endorsement of individualism, free thought, and freedom of expression. Many of his works expressed the theme of social justice, while others reflected the idea of never-ending rebellion against oppressive society. His influence and voice in society after his death continues to remain relevant, with his works cited in legal cases concerning the protection of first amendment rights and the protection of citizens from oppressive government. As a literary figure and champion of social justice, his legacy continues to this day.
Folklore and Superstition about Mark Twain’s Grave
Mark Twain’s grave has become something of a tourist destination over the years and it has become the focus of many stories and theories throughout the years. It was rumored, for instance, that a divine light emanated from his grave, implying that he had been granted some sort of heavenly protection. Locals claimed that they could see an “angelic figure” hovering over the grave of Twain on still evenings.
Some believe that Twain’s ghost actually haunts his grave and is periodically seen patrolling the grounds with a lantern. Some visitors to the cemetery have reported hearing strange laughter and voices when they passed by Twain’s gravesite. There are a number of other superstitions and stories about Twain’s grave, most of which lack any solid evidence and are more likely just wishful thinking.
Literary References to Mark Twain’s Grave
Mark Twain’s final resting place has become a source of literary inspiration and reference in popular culture. Perhaps the most famous is the musical libretto version of Twain’s novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Writer of Plays, which opens with Tom Sawyer eagerly awaiting his uncle, who was visiting the “famous grave of Mark Twain” in Hartford.
In addition, many books and films have referenced Twain’s grave, including the horror novel The Horror of Oakdale by Robert W. Smith and the 1984 movie, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, which paid special tribute to Twain’s grave as the home of a powerful alien life force.
Contemporary Significance
Macmillan Publishers recently published Mark Twain and the Unforgettable Years, a collection of Twain’s diaries and notes. Researching and editing the book was no small task, as the project took over two decades and included engagement from over 200 contributors from 19 countries. The collection offers a unique source of insight into Twain’s thinking and was released on what would have been Twain’s 172nd birthday. The release of this collection only further emphasizes the importance of Twain’s legacy and reminds us why his grave is of such importance.
Twain’s life and works remain inspirational and he is celebrated by professors, writers, and readers around the world. His ghost still haunts the cemetery where he is buried, and aside from being of historical significance, his grave also serves as a reminder of the importance of human freedom and creativity in the face of oppressive forces. His legacy continues to be appreciated long after his death and will likely endure long into the future.
Exhumation of Mark Twain’s Grave
In 2015, the remains of Mark Twain and his wife, Olivia, were briefly exhumed from their grave in Elmira, New York, for the purpose of conducting DNA tests for an upcoming television special. It was hoped the exhumation would offer clues as to whether or not Twain was a distant relative of President Abraham Lincoln, but the results of the DNA tests were inconclusive and the mystery remains unsolved.
The exhumation sparked a range of reactions, both positive and negative, from the public and Twain scholars alike. While some viewed the event as a great opportunity to unearth a few secrets about Twain, other Twain scholars deemed it unnecessary and inappropriate – viewing it as an intrusion on Twain’s right to rest in peace.
Although the results of the exhumation were ultimately inconclusive, the event still serves as a reminder of Twain’s lasting relevance and popularity. The exhumation has allowed people to remember Twain, and has generated an increased interest in the author and his works.
Forever Marked: Mark Twain’s Grave and Place in Literary History
Mark Twain’s gravestone at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, New York marks a solemn and significant spot in literary history. Though the mystery of his whereabouts has been solved, his final resting place has yielded a few surprises and generated much curiosity. After his death in 1910, Twain and his works remain deeply influential and his grave serves as a reminder of the legacy he left behind.
Mark Twain’s grave serves as a powerful symbol of the freedom of expression that Twain fought for in his lifetime. The gravestone itself stands as a clear reminder of his impact and importance in American literature and life. Though Twain is gone, he is certainly not forgotten. His final resting place is a powerful reminder that, even in death, we can have a lasting impact.
Twain’s grave is a reminder that we can take risks, foster creativity, and strive for social justice, even when we are no longer here. It is a reminder that no matter how we go, our legacy will remain forever marked in our works and in the lives of those that we touched.
