Zen-Sunset Travel Network

Garth Woodside Mansion, Hannibal, Missouri

Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer, Old Jim, the Mississippi River, and Hannibal are names from America's literary history. A trip into the past is the order of the day for those retracing the boyhood days of Samuel Clemens, beginning with a visit to the Mark Twain Museum, touring the Clemens boyhood home and many of the buildings so familiar in his literary works. Then laugh along with Tom Sawyer and catch a glimpse of America through the eyes of Huckleberry Finn at the Mark Twain Himself live show, performed throughout the year.

Returning at the end of the day to the Garth Woodside Mansion, you’ll luxuriate in soft feather beds, dreaming of the grandeur of yesteryear and enjoying the hospitality of one of Missouri’s finest mansions as Samuel Clemens did when he visited Hannibal after establishing himself as a writer and newspaper man.

Two of Samuel Clemens' childhood friends, John and Helen Kercheval Garth, remained close to him all his life.  They entertained Clemens on visits to Hannibal and corresponded with him many times. Samuel Clemens, John Garth, and Helen Kercheval were all students at Mrs. Elizabeth Horr's school and later at that of J. D. Dawson. John Garth is probably one of the boys who provided Clemens with inspiration for the character Tom Sawyer.

John Garth and Helen Kercheval were married in 1860. After the Civil War broke out, Garth moved his family to New York City where he was engaged in banking, brokerage, and manufacturing. Returning to Hannibal in 1871, Garth started a successful business career. He purchased a farm southwest of Hannibal and constructed a large summer home, which he named "Woodside".

In May 1882, Clemens traveled the Mississippi River, refreshing his memory while writing Life on the Mississippi. When he reached Hannibal, he spent his first night at the Park Hotel, but quickly became a guest of the Garths. He wrote to his wife Olivia, "I spent my night with John and Helen Garth three miles from town, in their spacious and beautiful house."

Woodside is now the home of the Garth Mansion Bed and Breakfast, operated by John and Julie Rolsen.  Their website is a must see.  The Garth Woodside Mansion has been voted the top B&B in Missouri and one of the 10 most romantic inns in America.

For more history on the Garth Woodside Mansion click Here.