Carson Cityn Welcomes Mark Twain Back to His Birthplace with New Bronze Sculpture
July 24 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Visit Carson City and community partners invite the public to celebrate the unveiling of a new life-size bronze sculpture of Mark Twain by internationally acclaimed sculptor Gary Lee Price on Friday, July 24, at 5:30 p.m. in McFadden Plaza, with the official ribbon cutting at 6:00 p.m.
Located in front of the historic St. Charles Hotel, one of the last remaining commercial buildings where Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, is known to have spent time, the sculpture invites visitors to sit beside one of America’s greatest writers in the very city where he first signed the now famous pen name “Mark Twain.”
The statue and bench were a gift to the city, arranged by an informal lunch group calling themselves the “Never Sweats,” with funds provided by Mr. and Mrs. Gary Clemons of Glenbrook.
The ceremony will include remarks from Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell; McAvoy Layne, The Ghost of Mark Twain; the Clemons and a representative of the statue artist. Bob Stewart will be master of ceremonies with some comments on Twain in Carson City. Join in the celebration of Carson City’s unique literary legacy as the birthplace of Mark Twain. Refreshments provided by The Fox Restaurant and Brewery in the Mark Twain room.
More than a place of rest, the sculpture creates a place for conversation, reflection, and discovery, honoring Twain’s enduring wit while inviting residents and visitors alike to experience the community that helped shape one of America’s most beloved storytellers.
Nearly 165 years after Samuel Clemens first signed the name “Mark Twain” in Carson City, visitors will once again find him waiting downtown, ready to share a bench, a photograph, and perhaps a story or two.
