What Happened to Mark Twain's House?

He was known as the “Greatest Humorist the United States Has Produced,” But how did he live? Today we are exploring the home of Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain.

Location: Hartford, Connecticut.

Like, Comment, and Share our video, subscribe if you enjoyed this video!!

Join our Membership program:
Photos from: Library of Congress

Public Domain Photos from: Library of Congress
CC2.0 Photos from: bootbearwdc, dwhartwig, Joey Hoey, Mike Shell
CC3.0 Photos from: Kenneth C Zirkle, DTParker1000
Music from: Epidemic Sound
Video from: Envato

[wandabissell]

My father-in-law's parents bought the house from the Clemens, f-i-l was born in the billiards room! It was sold to a private school, Kingswood-Oxford, and later was sold again before the restoration. We have a pic of him, mother, siblings in the conservatory. If you like the stately CT houses, Hill-stead Museum in Farmington is a must see. It was the home of the architect Theodate Pope Riddle, and is amazing.

[rsykesjr]

I’m so glad to know the home is still standing and well preserved.

[rhiannonrede]

I was so mad about Twain as a child, I had my parents take us to Hannibal to see his boyhood home. It was wonderful & one of my childhood delights.

[rebeccablakey]

This is an extremely beautiful home. Sounds like the home was decorated with such love and care. Mark Twain and his family was very lucky to have been able to to live this amazing home. I am so glad that the home is now a museum.

[howiewilliams]

When I toured the home seceral years ago the guide told a story about Mark Twain's butler. When someone came to the door that Twain didn't want to see he would tell the butler to tell the person Twain wasn't home. The problem was the butler would not lie and go ahead and let them in. They later found a solution. When Twain someone come to the door he did want to see he would step out onto the balcony and then the butler could truthfully tell the person Mr. Twain just stepped out.

[stevekaschak]

My Wife and I visited this home several years ago. We have visited many notable homes, Mr. Twain's home is by far my favorite.

A guy's house with comforts for the Ladies. The craftsmanship is amazing, well worth the visit.

[heatherwhittaker]

Thank you. Mark Twain has always been one of my favorite authors

[sprague]

The Mark Twain house is wonderful example of the Aesthetic Movement in interior design, which flourished in the 1870's, and was the first to incorporate Japanese inspired elements in the woodwork. Thank you, Ken, for featuring this beautiful and unique home.

[jmcgsd]

Growing up in Hartford in the 50’s I remember this as my local library! I’ve always felt privileged that I had that opportunity.

[karenflanagan]

That's awesome to keep a very important author & his beautiful family home up and & a part of American History.

[kellyfrost]

This is one of my most favorite houses! Love it and the "Stick Style".

[badbiker]

I am so pleased that this wonderful house still exists. One would have to call this a mansion, but it seems so much more homey than most of the houses that were built in the 19th century by very wealthy people. I am inspired by this video to someday pay a visit and explore this house myself.

[MissBEson]

I've been to the Mark Twain House multiple time. If you are ever visiting CT you should put this place on your list to visit. It is a beautiful home and they do a wonderful job with preserving the home.

[GodsndFavoriteBassPlyr]

Just this past July, I was able to tour the Mark Twain house.. .Absolutely Stunning. Thanks so much for showcasing this one. The entire complex, along with a great gift shop, is definitely worth the trip!

[Gratefulman]

My favorite room,
Definitely the Library. I can see that room with my books and musical gear filling it, man! What an oasis that would be.

[randomviking]

I would love to have a library just like that one, along with the attached conservatory. I'd never want to leave. : )

[LJB]

There were two things I liked in the house: in the Twain bedroom is the "extension cord, " the hose from the gasolier ceiling light to provide gas to the desk lamp. The other is the story about the billiards table. It was a gift from Twain's admirer Henry H. Rogers (Standard Oil fortune and owner of a large mansion in Fairhaven, MA - have never seen interior photos), and a friend said that Twain shouldn't accept it as Rogers' money was tainted. Twain's reply was that the money was twice tainted: Taint yours and taint mine! Go out the front door and walk across the lawn to Harriet Beecher Stowe's house (also a museum); they are both part of Nook Farm. There is one more extant Tiffany home (the Ayer house - where Beatrice Ayer was proposed to by future general George Patton) in Boston - well worth a video. Excellent video.

[honestmom]

I always learn so much from your videos, Ken. But this one had a ton of information not only on the house but on Mark Twain and his family. I'm so happy the house has been restored!

[derek]

Just found your channel, good content and presentation.
I used to live a 5-minute walk from this house, and went there twice for a tour. Your tour was as good as, or perhaps better than, than the commentary offered when actually there.

Like many, the billiards room was my favorite. Decades ago I helped with a local NPR broadcast from there where Garrison Keillor shot pool with local Connecticut NPR hosts and opined about Twain and American literature.

[kimberlyearly]

This house is incredible! So many details and I wish I could get an even better look at them. Even the roof looks so unique. All of the hand stenciling and decorative patterns on the outside were amazing. I think this might be my favorite house you've ever shown!