Mark Twain

The Birth of Mark Twain

Nov 30, 1835

Mark Twain was born as Samuel Langhorne Clemens in Florida, Missouri. He was born to his parents John Marshall and Jane Lampton Clemens.

Printer

Apr 27, 1851

Twain leaves school at the age of 15 to go work as a printer

River Pilot

Jan 1, 1857

Twain takes on a two-year apprenticeship to become a licensed river pilot. During this time, It was when Twain adopts his pen name as "Mark Twain"

War Breaks Out

Apr 24, 1861

The Civil War breaks out and it causes Twain's steamboat career to end. In those two weeks he spends two weeks training in a volunteer Confederate militia before it disbands.

The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County

Nov 18, 1865

Twain publishes his popular short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County". It becomes a big hit and gives him a boost towards his writing career.

Future Wife

Dec 31, 1867

Twain meets Olivia Langdon, a sister of a friend, whom he will eventually marry.

Tom Sawyer

Jan 1, 1876

Tom Sawyer, another huge hit, is published.

Life on the Mississippi

Jan 1, 1883

Twain publishes "Life on the Mississippi" a memoir about being a steamboat captain on the river.

Huckleberry Finn

Feb 25, 1885

Twain publishes his most famous book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

The Death of Mark Twain

Apr 10, 1910

Mark Twain dies in his home at the age of 74.