Book lovers tend to gravitate toward other book lovers and places we can find books - bookshops, festivals, book clubs, and libraries. After all, nothing compares to finding a new-to-you book to devour on a lazy afternoon. With nearly 400 libraries in Missouri, we're never lacking for a place to escape into our imagination. However, if you've never been to this Missouri library, you'll want to experience it at least once.
Central Library in St. Louis has earned a much-deserved nod, from several media outlets including Fodors Travel, as one of the most beautiful libraries in the United States.
This Missouri library is just one in a collection that comprises the St. Louis Public Library system.
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If you've seen the magnificent library, which spans an entire city block, you'll immediately know why it's earned such recognition. Make sure you go inside, too.
Tours, led by docents who provide insight into the library's architecture, are held at select times on Mondays and Saturdays. Reservations are not required; you can just walk in and join a tour.
Statues tell the stories of our past, honoring historical and prominent figures - from George Washington Carver to Hannah Cole - throughout Missouri’s history. The majority of statues, of course, honor real life individuals. The Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer statue in Hannibal, Missouri goes against the grain of tradition, paying tribute to literary characters who’ve become two of the most recognizable names in fiction. Here's what you need to know about Hannibal's famous Tom and Huck statue.
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Stroll along Main Street in the darling town of Hannibal, and you might feel as though you’ve journeyed back in time, to the days when Samuel Clemens was just a boy.
Clemens, who would grow up to become beloved author Mark Twain, moved to Hannibal, from his birthplace of Florida, Missouri, when he was just four years old.
Twain’s influence is everywhere you go in town – from Tom Sawyer’s Fence to the statue of the author that has stood in Riverview Park since 1913. (Twain died in 1910.)
Two of his most famous characters, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, also have their own statue, tucked at the bottom of Cardiff Hill at North and Main Street.
While the adventures of Tom and Huck took place in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, the town was, in fact, based on Twain’s real-life hometown. Thus, it seemed natural that Hannibal be the setting for the statue.
George Mahan hired artist Frederick C. Hibbard to sculpt the statue of Tom and Huck. The bronze statue would be one of the first of its kind. Statues usually, to that point, honored real-life individuals.
Mahan is also responsible for saving Twain’s boyhood home. He bought and restored the home, gifting it to Hannibal in 1911. Today, visitors from around the world visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum.
Mahan gifted the statue to Hannibal on May 27, 1926. At the time, Mahan said the statue represented Tom when he realized he wanted to get out of town and see more of the world.
Huck’s hand is rested on Tom’s arm and, Mahan asserted, shows his contentment with remaining in St. Petersburg while silently trying to keep Tom in town.
Today, visitors from around the world visit this Hannibal, MO Tom Sawyer statue, snapping photos and selfies.
When you come to Hannibal, immerse yourself in the history of the city's most famous son and stay at this Mark Twain-themed Airbnb. Have you been to the Tom and Huck Statue in Missouri? Share your experience in the comments! Soak up another piece of Missouri history with a visit to Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis.
Many people are surprised to learn that the most famous Civil War general and the nation's 18th president called Missouri home. While Harry S. Truman is the only U.S. president who was born and raised in Missouri, Ulysses S. Grant also had strong ties to the Show Me State.
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Grant's first military assignment brought him to Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis in 1843. Grant met his wife, Julia Dent, in St. Louis and they became engaged in 1844. They married in St. Louis in 1848, and with a wife to support Grant decided to remain in the Army even though he disliked military life. Before the Civil War, Grant and his family tried to establish themselves as farmers near the Dent family farm. After struggling to make ends meet, the Grants moved into the Dent's home, White Haven, and stayed from 1854 until 1859. The estate is now a historic park in Missouri and is maintained by the National Park Service. It's truly one of the best hidden gems in Missouri. Let's take a closer look at this Missouri historic park:
White Haven is located just 10 miles south of downtown St. Louis. During the time that Grant and his family resided there, the estate was comprised of 850 acres of farmland and had around 30 enslaved persons on the property.
The Grant's first lived across Gravois in a rustic log cabin that Grant constructed himself. The home was known as Hardscrabble and Grant's wife, Julia, disliked living in the rustic cabin. Eventually, the family decided to move to White Haven with Julia's parents and Hardscrabble was rented out.
White Haven remained a private residence until 1979 when it was turned over to St. Louis County. By 1989, the National Parks Service took over control and the remaining 10-acre estate became a National Historic Landmark.
Throughout the year there are many activities and historical reenactments at White Haven. The site also hosts archaeologists, naturalization ceremonies, concerts, speakers, and holiday events.
It is open daily, year-round, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The last tours of the day are conducted at 4 p.m. You can also take a self-guided tour along the property by following the paved path. Be sure to stop and talk with Thomas Barlow, a fictional neighbor of President and Mrs. Grant, played by former park ranger, John Deutch. Deutch has so much knowledge to share about early St. Louis life, Ulysses S. Grant, and life in post-Civil War America.
Autumn is one of the best seasons to visit White Haven. The trees on the property turn shades of yellow, orange, and red, and stand out vividly against the green hue of the house.
Enjoy this park for its historical significance and quiet serenity. Many people drive by this historic park every day without ever realizing it's there. While often overshadowed by Grant's Farm, the Busch Family estate and amusement park, that resides across the street. However, this amazing little estate is free and should be a must for all history buffs.
Take time to learn about an important time in American history. This site remains significant in the conversation about African-American history, American and Missouri history, and Presidential history. Visit for a fun and educational day on this stunning Missouri farm.
