Hannibal

Most small towns around the world have a few things in common, such as a single main street for shopping or a more intimate community feel. Some are extremely picturesque, with historical buildings and old homes that are unspoiled by Walmarts and other major chains. However, not all of them can compete with Hannibal, Missouri. Not everyone can say they were the town that inspired one of the greatest American novels of all time, as well as the author's hometown. The small river town of Hannibal, founded in 1819 by Moses D. Bate, served as a port for boats traveling up the Mississippi.

Hannibal's most famous resident did not move into town until 1839. The Clemens family relocated 30 miles from Florida, Missouri to Hannibal, bringing with them their son Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. Mark Twain wrote several novels, the most famous of which was "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". It is said that the town of Hannibal and Twain's experiences there inspired this classic American story. Because the town is so proud of Twain, they have worked hard to preserve much of his history. Visitors can learn more about Twain's ties to Hannibal at The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum.

Laura Hawkins' childhood home is part of the museum. Hawkins and Twain were childhood friends, and she is said to have inspired the character of Becky Thatcher in Twain's book. And who can forget about the fence? Visitors can walk by the fence that Tom Sawyer persuaded his friends to not only paint for him, but also to pay him for the privilege.