Most People Don’t Know That Mark Twain’s Gravesite Is Found Right Here in New York

Mark Twain is one of the titans of American literature. He is the author of such canonical books as "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court." He is also the mind behind plenty of the most important essays in the history of the country. He also happens to be buried right here in New York State. That's right, Twain's gravesite rests in the town of Elmira, New York. For any fan of books like us, it's an important place to visit—to pay tribute to a master. It might just be one of the most important historic gravesites in New York State. To learn more, keep reading below.

Why Mark Twain Is Buried in Elmira, NY

Mark Twain, whose real name is Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was born in 1835 and passed away in 1910. Why was Twain buried in Elmira? It’s because it was the hometown of his wife, Olivia Langdon, and where his family spent a lot of summers. Though many of Twain's books famously center around the Mississippi River, he was no stranger to New York. In fact, most of his adult life was lived away from the Mississippi River.

More than a novelist, Twain is known as a miner, riverboat pilot, abolitionist, and journalist. His life is reflected in his rich books, which continue to change the lives of Americans many, many years after the author's passing.

Woodlawn Cemetery: Visiting Mark Twain’s Final Resting Place

Twain’s wife and children are buried alongside him at the picturesque Woodlawn Cemetery. Founded in 1863, it's among the country's most historically significant landmarks. Twain’s grave is demarcated with a memorial obelisk bearing the writer’s likeness. Woodlawn is additionally the gravesite of the college football legend and the first African-American to ever win a Heisman Trophy, Ernie Davis.

Want to visit Twain's gravesite? Woodlawn Cemetery is open between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (with a one-hour break at noon) every day except for Saturday and Sunday.

For those looking to pay respect to one of the most important authors in American history, a true titan of literature, then a visit to Mark Twain's gravesite at Woodland Cemetery in Elmira, New York is going to be for sure worth the trip, no matter how near or far they may live from the site. While in Elmira, why not check out some of the supposedly haunted houses that seem to permeate in the area; Elmira is allegedly one of New York's most haunted small towns.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.