Birth of Mark Twain
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, later known as Mark Twain, was born on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri.
1835
1851
First Published Work
At the age of 16, Mark Twain's first published sketch, "A Gallant Fireman," appeared in the Hannibal Journal, a newspaper owned by his older brother Orion Clemens.
1857
Mark Twain began his career as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River, a profession that would greatly influence his later writings.
1861
Western Ventures
Twain traveled west to Nevada and California during the Civil War, trying his hand at silver mining and journalism.
1865
Publication of "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County"
Mark Twain gained national fame with the publication of his humorous short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County."
1869
Publication of "The Innocents Abroad"
"The Innocents Abroad," Mark Twain's travel book based on his journey to Europe and the Holy Land, was published and became an immediate success.
1870
Marriage to Olivia Langdon
Mark Twain married Olivia Langdon in February 1870, and the couple settled in Hartford, Connecticut.
1876
Publication of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"
Mark Twain's beloved novel "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" was published, capturing the adventures of a young boy in a fictional town along the Mississippi River.
1884
Publication of "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"
Considered one of the greatest American novels, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" was published, showcasing Mark Twain's critique of society and race relations.
1894
Financial Troubles
Mark Twain faced severe financial difficulties due to failed investments, leading to bankruptcy. He embarked on a worldwide lecture tour to repay his debts.
1904
Death of Olivia Langdon Clemens
Mark Twain's wife, Olivia Langdon Clemens, passed away, deeply affecting the author.
1906
Publication of "The $30,000 Bequest and Other Stories"
Mark Twain published a collection of short stories titled "The $30,000 Bequest and Other Stories."
1909
Death of Jean Clemens
Jean Clemens, Mark Twain's youngest daughter, died of a seizure on December 24, 1909, adding to Twain's personal grief.
1910
Death of Mark Twain
Mark Twain passed away on April 21, 1910, in Redding, Connecticut. His death marked the end of an era in American literature.
2010
Publication of "Autobiography of Mark Twain"
One hundred years after his death, the first volume of Mark Twain's unexpurgated autobiography was published, providing new insights into his life and thoughts.
