"I can hear old Sam Clemens now: 'With such a tiny plaque to honor me, God must've been crazy.'" -- November 2007

Mark Twain Museum, Terretorial Enterprise -- Virginia City

Original Date Visited: 11/21/07
Signed: No

Notes: A set of keen eyes will make out the most noticeable oddity on this plaque: "Historical Marker No. 27." When the SHPO relinquished most of these old Classic-style markers sometime in the late 90s, the SHPO failed to update them. Mark Twain happened to be one of the only classics that was kept in the system -- and with it, an easily missable blooper!

Did You Know ...

The Territorial Enterprise was NOT Nevada's first newspaper? Contrary to popular belief, the coveted title for the state's first newspaper actually belongs to the little-known "Gold Canon Switch" (sic.) in 1849, a written one page handout in the camp of Johntown near present-day Silver City. Have no fear, Twain fans. The Territorial Enterprise wins the prize as the first CIRCULATED newspaper in Nevada.

See all 274 Nevada Fun Facts here

Street View

Here's what you'll see!

Exact Description:
100 years ago, in 1864, Samuel Clemens left the Terretorial Enterprise, moving on to California and worldwide fame. He was a reporter here in 1863 when he first used the name, Mark Twain. He later described his colorful adventures in Nevada in "Roughing It."

The History of Virginia City

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CHINESE IN NEVADA

Related Links & Markers:

- 78 - Orion Clemens Home The Terretorial Enterprise (Intermountain Histories) Mark Twain in Virginia City: History Channel

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