The Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse in Hannibal, Missouri

Photo byThe Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse via Facebook.

The construction of the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse began in 1934. The year 1935 marked Samuel Clemen's 100th birthday. The lighthouse symbolizes the years he spent as a riverboat pilot.

The lighthouse is on top of Cardiff Hill at East Rock Street in Hannibal, Missouri. It is ornamental and not intended for river navigation.

There are a couple of ways to get here. If you are feeling energetic and in-shape, you can climb the 242 steps from the bottom of the hill or you can drive up a narrow and nearly blind one-way road to a parking lot near the base and walk up around 30 or so steps. There is a good view of the Mississippi River from the top, but the lighthouse itself is not open. (Source.)

Interestingly, it was lit by President Franklin D. Roosevelt from Washington D.C.. Clemen's daughter, Clara Clemens Gabrilowitsch, also gave a live radio broadcast from Detroit.

In 1960, a forceful wind damaged the lighthouse. It was rebuilt in 1963 and dedicated by President John F. Kennedy.

A two-year renovation project began in 1994 of the lighthouse. Again, it was rededicated, but this time by President Bill Clinton.

According to the Hannibal Parks & Recreation Department, "The lighthouse and its stairs have changed over the years, with the relocation of the Mark Twain Memorial Bridge making it more accessible to visitors."

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