Mark Twain in Nevada: A beginning, 1861--1864

Mark Twain's experience in Nevada helped to shape him into a world class author. Many critics ignore Twain's sojourn in Nevada (14 August 1861 to 29 July 1864), but it becomes clear after examining his writings on the Territorial Enterprise that this was the seedbed of his writing experiences. Coming from a background that demanded little personal responsibility (his brother Orion Clemens being a strong example of the footloose life), Twain settled easily into the vibrant life of Virginia City. Twain had ample opportunity to observe and comment on the social scene that flowed past his doorstep. His experiences as a Mississippi River pilot introduced him to the many facets of humanity, but it was in Virginia City that he began to record his impressions on a weekly basis. The demands of Nevada journalism forced Twain to develop the kind of discipline that any truly successful writer needs. Mark Twain was an inherently lazy man, but in this area of his life he sharpened the tools that led to his international success.