Hannibal
Missouri
Hannibal Convention And Visitors Bureau
Hannibal History :
Founded in 1819 by Moses D. Bates, the river town soon flourished as a principal docking port for steamboats, flatboats, and packet steamers traveling the upper Mississippi. By 1845, Hannibal had achieved city status and by 1860, the population had more than doubled, making it the second largest city and third commercial center in Missouri.
Early industries that greatly influenced the city's growth included pork packing, soap and candle making, coopering, milling of lumber, and railroad industries diminished, other Hannibal business ventures took their place, including shoe manufacturing, button making, and cement production.
The city is proud of its long list of well-known sons and daughters including William Lear, designer of the Lear jet; Congressman William Henry Hatch; Navy Admiral Robert E. Coontz; sculptor John Rogers; Margaret Tobin, the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown; composer Egbert Van Alstyne; and artist Carroll Beckwith.
Hannibal's most famous son is Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known worldwide by his pen name, Mark Twain. At the age of four, Sam's family moved to Hannibal from his birthplace in Florida, Missouri, about thirty miles to the southwest. Many of the popular characters featured in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and other beloved works, were based upon people Sam had known while growing up in Hannibal.
Recent News
Start The New Year Off With Exciting Events In Hannibal
New Year, new festivities in Hannibal! St. Louis Cardinals Caravan The Cardinals Caravan returns to Hannibal on Friday, January 12, with opportunities to see Cardinals players, announcers, and Fredbird at the Hannibal-LaGrange University…
Read More »Lots Of Fun And Celebrations Are Just Ahead In Hannibal
Hannibal's celebrations glow with excitement Victorian Festival of Christmas continues with unique events The festivities are in full swing downtown with visits with Santa, a Clemens Family Christmas, and Historic Holiday Home Tour the weekend…
Read More »Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau News - Festive Fun is Around the Corner
Festive fun is around the corner Mark Twain Birthday Bash Celebrate Mark Twain's 188th birthday with an old-fashioned party for youth and the annual mustache and beard contest Saturday, November 25 at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum.…
Read More »Hannibal Convention And Visitors Bureau News - About An Exciting New Riverboat Arrival
A brand new riverboat arrives in Hannibal Aug. 24 The American Serenade, a brand new riverboat from American Cruise Lines, will arrive at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, August 24. We are sharing the wonderful news as we prepare for a grand welcome ceremony…
Read More »Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau :Summer fun abounds
Fun comes in many forms in Hannibal! Big River Steampunk Festival The country's biggest outdoor Steampunk Festival comes back to America's Hometown from Friday, Sept. 1 to Monday, Sept. 4. Steampunk is truly unique, and there's no better place…
Read More »Hannibal Convention and Visitor Bureau pen house planned for Molly Brown's birthday
For immediate release If you have a calendar of events, please include this celebration as well. Free open house to celebrate Molly Brown’s birthday HANNIBAL – The Molly Brown Birthplace and Museum will celebrate the 156th anniversary…
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