Enjoying the sites of Hannibal, MO

 Hannibal has a rich history and played an important role in the westward expansion of the country. The barge and steamboat traffic provided goods to people all up and down the river. We visited the free Hannibal History Museum and learned about the many famous people who lived here or spent considerable time here. 

Of course, Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) is the most famous of Hannibal's residents. Many of the characters in his stories were based on real people from his childhood growing up on the MS River.

Mark Twain Boyhood Home is a must see. One ticket includes entrance to several properties including the museum a couple blocks away, Becky Thatcher's House and Huck Finn's house.

At the Mark Twain Museum

I never realized how many books he wrote, nor how widely he traveled. For that time period of the latter half of the 1800's, he traveled extensively and all his experiences became material for his books and stories. He worked in a variety of occupations as well, so he had firsthand knowledge of printing, riverboat operation, and mining. I'm inspired now to read some of his lesser known books.

In front of a riverboat stern wheel
About town playing tourist 
Jenny "Becky Thatcher" 

Johnnie "Tom Sawyer" - minus the beard!
We enjoyed our wandering around town. We at lunch at the Old Planters Restaurant, a good meal for a great price!
Then you have to enjoy the Dutch Country General Store which has a bit of everything including a massive candy section. Not good for those watching their sugars.
Many rows like this with every candy you can think of

Then finishing the day with ice cream at the Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream parlor. Fortunately they have sugar free!
It was a fun day. There is so much more to see in Hannibal but that will have to be for the next trip. We are worn out and travel early tomorrow to beat the rain.

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