A Romantic Encounter with Mark Twain Along the Mississippi

Following the verses of the song 'Back to the River of Childhood,' our 'duo' embarked on a journey to Hannibal city (USA), where the Mississippi River unites residents of Missouri and Illinois, sharing the same waters from different shores.

A Date with Mark Twain Along the Majestic Mississippi River

The Legend of the Father River

In the history of the United States, the Mississippi River holds a special place as it once marked the boundary of the first 13 colonies to the east and west of the river. This vast land was acquired by the U.S. from France in the Louisiana Purchase of 1883. From this riverbank, the United States expanded westward, becoming a vast and powerful nation.

For me, this wide and long river truly resonates with the bustling era when steam engines were born, paralleling the westward migration to the new frontier.

Steamboats puffing smoke with resonant whistles echo across the vast waves, navigating over 2,000 miles. The Mississippi River is a common setting in literature and music. Many tales by Mark Twain, including his famous work 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,' unfold along the Mississippi River.

He lived on the Mississippi River, dedicating his soul entirely to the waterway. The Mississippi River even inspired numerous songs, such as Johnny Cash's 'Big River' and the famous 1961 track 'Moon River' from the film 'Breakfast at Tiffany’s'.

We ventured to the Mississippi River and the steamboats, partly seeking harmony with the life of the female artist in the novel 'All the Rivers Run,' associated with the Murray and Darling rivers. This narrative was crafted by the female author Nancy Cato, whose work we once clandestinely read during class.

The creation of the masterpiece authored by the female writer Nancy Cato, a narrative we once rested our heads on the bedside or secretly read during class.

The Historic City of Hannibal and the Amusing Tales Behind the Name Mark Twain

It is often said: 'Cities with rivers flowing through them are always beautiful.' Beyond beauty, the prosperity brought by these flowing streams provides water for the people, deposits silt for the land, facilitates trade via boats, shapes bustling markets, and brings diverse cultures, contributing to the country's rich history.

That's why I marked on the map the ancient city of Hannibal – known as the homeland of America, as stated on the welcoming sign 'Welcome to Hannibal – America’s hometown'.

It nestles along the river, leaning against the bridge named after the famous writer Mark Twain, and has become our stopping point during this season of love.

Hannibal greeted us with a touch of romantic charm from Da Lat, a bit of ancient nostalgia from Sapa, and a hint of freshness from Tam Dao.

I strolled past the monument of Samuel Clemens (the real name of writer Mark Twain) holding a ship's steering wheel, with eyes gazing far towards the vast ocean. Reflecting on the whimsical name of the literary giant Mark Twain, a steamboat pilot and his youthful adventures on the Mississippi River with these steam-powered vessels.

His real name is Samuel Clemens, and his pen name was also born from this river. When learning to pilot a boat at the age of 21, he often heard the helmsman using a pole as a depth gauge, shouting loudly: 'Half twain! Quarter twain! M-a-r-k twain!' meaning 'Half of the double marks! Quarter of the double marks! Mark twain!' where Twain is a pair.

The spot where the pole had the depth mark of 2, equivalent to 3.7 meters, the safe depth for boat navigation. Thus, the name Mark Twain was first used in 1863 when he was writing in the city of Virginia, and, like the Mississippi River, it entered literature and childhood through the adventurous tales of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.

I propose renaming this place to the 'Mark Twain City' as everywhere you look, the presence of the legendary writer is evident: from Mark Twain Brewery to Mark Twain Restaurant, from the museum to the park, from the lighthouse to the market... even the city tour bus proudly bears the name of the renowned author.

I refer to the rows of maple trees lining the city as the fireworks trees because even though their winter leaves wither, they radiate vibrant hues of dreamy purple, intense red, subtle yellow, or even romantic pink – much like bursts of fireworks illuminating both sides of the street.

Standing beneath the lighthouse column hidden on Cadiff Hill, I recall this as the vista that author Mark Twain acclaimed as the most beautiful in this quaint town.

On the left is where the Mark Twain Bridge connects two states through the Chicago – Kansas highway. On the right are three islands – Shuck Island, Pearl Island, and Tower Island of Illinois – seemingly remote yet remarkably close. Below, a cargo train steadily maneuvers along the rocky mountain slope.

Then, almost instinctively, holding a picked maple leaf in hand, I quietly pledged to my female companion, “When all the winter leaves in Hannibal are counted, that's the day my love for you will cease.”

My friend said nothing, just gently inclined her head, leaning lightly against my shoulder, as we together gazed towards the distant azure sky.

According to Quoc Vinh/Youth

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Reference: Travel guide Mytour