Mark Twain, one of America’s greatest humorists and prose writers, passed away in 1910. His body was interred in his home town, Elmira New York, where he had lived for years prior to his death. Twain was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, in a secluded spot near a large water lily pond. The grave is located in the cemetery’s northern area, in Lot 645-F. A large marble monument marks Twain’s resting place, topped with a bust of the iconic author. Twain’s epitaph reads: “Unitarian/Author.” The grave of his wife Livy (Livy Louise) is located within a few feet of his.
Elmira had special importance to Twain, as it was his summer residence for some 25 years. He had acquired the lot in 1874 and built the house which he named “Quarry Farm.” Twain enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the rural setting. On the entry to the cemetery is a plaque that reads “Mark Twain and his family are buried in this cemetery.”
Twain’s burial grave receives many visitors each year, especially during the Mark Twain Days in June. During this week-long festival, Twain’s birthplace in Florida, Missouri, and numerous other places associated with the author are celebrated. A marker next to the grave entrance lists Twain’s residences, books and awards.
The grave site was initially unmarked until Elizabeth Wallace, his niece, and Caroline Thomas Harnsberger, a local archivist, initiated a campaign to raise funds for the installation of a suitable memorial. The campaign was successful and funds were raised for the marble monument, which was unveiled in 1912.
In 2004, a historic saga of Twain’s life and writings came to a close when history professor Tom Quirk located a stash of 350 letters the author had written to his then-secret girlfriend, Olivia (Livy) Langdon, and her family. In November of 2018, Twain’s relatives, writer Justin Kaplan and researcher Meredith McGill, made a pilgrimage to Twain’s grave in Elmira to pay their respects. There was time to reflect and remember one of America’s most beloved authors in the very place where he was laid to rest.
Twain’s Legacy
Mark Twain is remembered not just for his writing, but also for his stand on social and political issues. These included his strong opposition to slavery, his campaign for women’s rights, and his advocacy for copyright laws. In addition, Twain was a fierce opponent of imperialism, publicly criticizing the U.S. involvement in the Philippines. Twain’s views often got him in trouble, such as when he used mockery to criticize figures like Theodore Roosevelt.
Twain established himself as a public figure and a major voice in American society. His writings remain as popular now as when they were first published. His impact is not just felt in America, but around the globe. Many say that his influence on American culture, his compassion for the downtrodden, and his willingness to speak out are his true legacies.
Twain’s works have been translated into dozens of languages, and can be found around the world. His most famous work, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, has inspired generations of readers and writers. It has been praised by authors such as Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner and is thought to be one of the greatest novels of all time.
Twain’s Home
For years, the Twain family’s home in Elmira was a tourist attraction. After the death of Twain’s wife, Olivia in 1904, the home ceased to be open to the public. The house was eventually sold to a local banker and the contents were dispersed. In the late 1970’s, the house was renovated and renamed “Quarry Farm Mansion” in honor of Twain. The house is owned by a local conservancy, and it is open to the public.
Twain’s house in Elmira has come to represent the career of a great author, as well as being a symbol of Twain’s love of his home town. It is a place of pilgrimage for many Twain fans, who come to pay their respects. The house is also home to the Mark Twain Study, which houses rare and interesting artifacts and documents related to the author and his works.
The house is a visual reminder of the life of Mark Twain, and it serves to remember one of the greatest authors of all time. Visitors can explore the house, soak up the atmosphere, and get a better understanding of Twain’s life and his times.
United States Postal Service
On October 18, 2018, the United States Postal Service issued a commemorative postal card honoring Mark Twain on the centennial of his death. The front of the card features a black-and-white photograph of the author and the words, “Mark Twain, our national treasure, 1835-1910”. The back of the card contains a quote from one of Twain’s stories, “the secret source of humor itself is not joy, but sorrow.” The postal card is available at post offices nationwide until it sells out.
The card was issued to commemorate a man who is remembered as one of America’s greatest writers, and as a public figure who championed social justice, human rights, and empathy. Twain’s legacy still lives on, and the USPS commemorative card stands as a testament to the writer and his lasting impact.
The Mark Twain House & Museum
In 1974, the Mark Twain House & Museum, located in Hartford, Connecticut, was opened to the public. The house, which was Twain’s family home for over 17 years, has been restored to resemble its appearance when Twain lived there. The museum also contains many artifacts and documents related to Twain, including letters, photographs, and various objects from the author’s life and career.
The House and Museum are visited by thousands of people each year, and the house itself is thought to provide a remarkable insight into the life of the author. Visitors can take a tour and see the house, as well as learn more about Twain’s life and his works.
The Twain House & Museum also serves as a cultural center, hosting various events and activities, including lectures, book readings, and other performances. Every year, the museum hosts a two-day Mark Twain Birthday Celebration in December, which features talks, live music, theater performances, and more. The museum is a must-visit for any fan of Mark Twain, and a great way to get to know and understand the life of one of America’s most beloved writers.
The Mark Twain Memorial
In 1962, the Mark Twain Memorial was established in Hartford, Connecticut. The Memorial is a tribute to the author and is designed to preserve and promote Twain’s life and works. It consists of a bronze statue of Twain, which depicts the author sitting in a field of wildflowers, a memorial garden called Quarry Farm Meadow, and a center dedicated to researching and interpreting Twain’s life and works.
The Memorial is open to the public and is a popular destination for visitors. It offers a chance to learn more about Twain and his life, as well as his literary works. In addition, the center houses the papers and manuscripts of the author, along with various displays and exhibitions. The Memorial is a fitting tribute to one of America’s most influential authors and its goal is to keep Twain’s legacy alive for future generations.
Twain’s Final Resting Place
Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira is Mark Twain’s final resting place. The cemetery is also the final resting place for other family members, including Twain’s wife, her sister and brother-in-law, and children. There is a special section of the cemetery dedicated to Twain and his family, which bears the inscription “Mark Twain and Family.”
The cemetery is a peaceful place where Twain’s admirers come to pay their respects. It is a beautiful place to walk and reflect on the life and works of this great man. At the cemetery, visitors can find the monument that was erected in Twain’s memory, as well as a marker near the entrance which reads, “Mark Twain and his family are buried in this cemetery.”
