Rockcliffe Mansion
A Colonial Revival mansion with more than 30 rooms, completed in 1900 for a timber baron, with original furnishings preserved. Mark Twain gave a speech here in 1902.
Rockcliffe Mansion was built between 1898 and 1900 by timber baron John Cruikshank on a bluff overlooking the old town. It blends Colonial Revival and Art Nouveau styles, has more than 30 rooms, and was fitted with electric lights, central heating and indoor plumbing, which were rare at the time. After the owner's death the house stood empty for nearly half a century, yet its furniture and décor were almost entirely preserved, so the Tiffany-style glass, carved woodwork, wallpaper and ceramics you see today are mostly original. In 1902, during Mark Twain's last visit to his hometown, he gave a speech to local dignitaries here. The house is toured with a guide and takes about an hour. Tickets cost about US$15, subject to change on the official website. It is about a 10-minute walk from the old town, and the uphill section is steep.
Opening hours
Tours about 9:30 am–4:30 pm (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Molly Brown Birthplace & Museum
- Jim's Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center
- Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
- Tom & Huck Statue
- Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse
- Historic Downtown Hannibal
- Mark Twain Riverboat
- Riverview Park