The Mark Twain House sits in Hartford, Connecticut, a tribute to literary genius and a place steeped in mystery. Built in 1874, this 25-room Gothic-style mansion holds an eerie charm, with every room whispering of the past. Louis C. Tiffany & Co. decorated its walls and ceilings, creating intricate designs that seem almost otherworldly. Twain loved ghost stories and shared his fascination often. In a letter to a minister, he once poured out his grief, writing:
“Our house… is become a cemetery. But not in a repellent sense. Our dead are welcome there… we shall have them with us always and there will be no parting.”
This poignant sentiment captures the deep connection Twain felt to those who passed within the house’s walls. Clemens was so fascinated with the paranormal that he joined the Society for Psychical Research in England. While he said he didn’t believe a word of it, he was known to have read their journals “cover to cover.”
Spirits of the Twain Family
The spirit of Twain’s eldest daughter, Olivia Susan Clemens, seems to linger here. Loved ones called her Susy. She was brilliant, witty, and sensitive. In 1896, she died tragically from spinal meningitis in the home she cherished. As the family maid cared for her in her parents’ mahogany bed, she slowly lost her sight. Eventually, she slipped into a coma and never woke up. Today, visitors and staff believe they still encounter Susy. A spectral woman in a white Victorian dress drifts through the rooms, a silent echo of the young woman she once was.
Susy is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, New. York, surrounded by her family.
George Griffin: Guardian Spirit of the Twain House
Another key figure in the house’s history, George Griffin, was more than a servant, he was family. A former enslaved person, George became a fixture in the Clemens household, overseeing the massive 11,500-square-foot home and even sharing lighthearted bets with Twain over late-night billiard games. Known for his loyalty and good-natured personality, George’s spirit is said to have remained in the house after his death in 1897. Sightings of a Black man standing silently behind tour guides on the third floor have led many to believe George has chosen to stay near the family he served so devotedly.
Many believe he inspired the character Jim in Huckleberry Finn. Clemens once described George as handsome, well-built, and shrewd. He called him wise, polite, and always good-natured. Clemens saw him as honest, religious, and a devoted family friend. George kept the peace in the kitchen with his good sense and calming presence. Clemens said he settled disputes before they became quarrels, using nothing but his right spirit and mollifying tongue.
Paranormal Hot Spots and Ghostly Tales
The Mark Twain House has drawn numerous paranormal investigations, including visits from Ed and Lorraine Warren and the TAPS team. Reports of ghostly activity range from subtle to unsettling.
In Susy’s room, visitors have heard soft, childlike giggles and felt gentle tugs on their clothing, enough to make even the bravest feel a chill. In the library, women have reported playful tugs on their jewelry and bracelets slipping off unexpectedly, a phenomenon documented after TAPS investigated the house. The master bedroom and nursery seem to echo with mysterious noises, including loud, unexplained bangs that have no clear source.
In the billiard room, Twain’s beloved cigar smoke sometimes drifts through the air, though no one is smoking. Footsteps, laughter, and whispered conversations emerge, as if Twain’s old social circle has gathered once more for a quiet evening together.
In 1967, a security guard in the basement reported seeing a silver tray launch across the room, an incident still discussed today. Shadows and strange sounds fill the basement, as if George Griffin or a former maid were still tending to their duties. The unexplained knocking, sudden fire alarms without smoke, and the spectral sight of a woman in period dress make each visit an unforgettable experience.
The Twain House Over the Years
After the Clemens family sold the home in 1903, it passed through various owners and transformations, even becoming apartments and a branch of the Hartford Public Library. But as much as the house adapted to the changing world, the spirits of its past seem to remain anchored.
Each room tells a story, from the grand library filled with Twain’s books to the silent bedrooms that seem to remember the past. History lingers here, refusing to be forgotten. The Mark Twain House holds stories in every corner, and visitors might find themselves becoming part of its ongoing tale.
For those who dare to explore, remember that you’re not alone in the halls of the Mark Twain House. The past lives on, and if you listen closely, you might hear Twain himself spinning another ghostly tale.
Sources:
The Mark Twain House & Museum – Overview of the house’s history, architecture, and connections to the Twain family.
Journal Inquirer – An article detailing paranormal reports and historical significance of the Mark Twain House.
Love to Know Paranormal – Interviews and accounts of paranormal experiences from staff and visitors.
Connecticut Magazine – Coverage of ghost tours and reported hauntings, including sightings of Susy Clemens and George Griffin.
The Hartford Courant – Historical clippings documenting the home’s transition over the years, from private residence to apartment and museum.
- Notable Clippings: Hartford Courant, Dec 23, 1919, Pg 6; May 24, 1923, Pg 14; Mar 12, 1967, Pg 116
Star-Gazette (Elmira, NY) – Articles and obituaries concerning the Clemens family, notably Susy Clemens’ passing.
- Notable Clipping: Star-Gazette, Aug 24, 1896