| Hannibal Home Attractions Famous Residents Recreation Restaurants/Hotels/ Bed & Breakfast  |
Hannibal_________________________
Driving Directions
From Quincy, go South on I-172 for 14 miles to US 36. Take US 36 Southwest 6 miles to Hannibal. Approximately 20
miles.
Calendar of Events
Visit Hannibal's site for
a complete listing of Hannibal events.
History
The Hannibal area was first inhabited by Native Indians and saw its first
Europeans in 1673 when Louis Joliet and Father Marquette paddled through.
A small settlement was created in the 1790's when salt mines were discovered
in the area. Hannibal was officially founded in 1819 by Moses Bates. 
Hostile Indians
hampered the growth of Hannibal in the early days. The population was a
mere 30 residents in 1830. By 1859 the railroad came to town providing a
real boom in the population as Hannibal became a major industrial city with
lumber, tobacco, and river traffic. The 1860 census showed Hannibal as Missouri's
third largest city.
Today Hannibal gains its notoriety as the boyhood home of Samuel Clemens,
also known as Mark Twain. Over 250,000 visitors from nearly 100 countries
come to experience Twain's Hannibal. This river town offers a wealth of
Twain from museums to statues to caves. For additional information about
Hannibal contact the Hannibal Convention & Visitor's Bureau at (866)
263-4825.