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Twain is Born
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known as Mark Twain, is born in Florida, Missouri. -
Apprentice River Pilot
Clemens began a two-year apprenticeship to become a licensed river pilot. He also adopted his pen name "Mark Twain" from a pilot lingo. -
Twain during the Civil War
Civil War breaks out, halting river trade. Twain serves two weeks with Confederate irregulars, then moves to Nevada with his brother. -
"Jumping Frog" Published
Twain's first short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calavaras County" is published. The story became popular and Twain's profile as a writer is raised. -
First Book
Twain's first book, "The Innocents Abroad", becomes a best seller. -
Twain Gets Married
Twain marries Olivia Langdon, who becomes an important editor of his work. Their son is born later that year. -
Huck Finn
Mark Twain publishes his famous book The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn. -
Twain's Death
Mark Twain dies at the age of 74 at his home in Redding, Connecticut.