Mark Twain and Orion Clemens
Carson City, Carson City, Nevada
Marker Inscription
Orion Clemens Home. Orion Clemens, secretary to territorial Governor James W. Nye, lived in this house with his wife, “Mollie,” from 1864 to 1866. Samuel, his brother who was a reporter for the Territorial Enterprise, stayed here periodically until leaving the territory in May 1864. He became famous as “Mark Twain.”
Erected by Julian C. Smith, Jr.
The Story
During Nevada's territorial years, Orion Clemens served as secretary to Governor James W. Nye and lived in this house with his wife Mollie from 1864 to 1866. His younger brother Samuel — then a reporter for the Territorial Enterprise — stayed here from time to time before leaving the territory in May 1864. Samuel would soon become world-famous under the pen name Mark Twain.
Why it matters
This modest home ties the Nevada frontier to one of America's greatest literary voices, marking the territory where Samuel Clemens sharpened the reporting and humor that became Mark Twain.
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Related people
- · Orion Clemens
- · Mollie Clemens
- · Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain)
- · James W. Nye
Themes & tags
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