Hannibal in Marion County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Gideon's Trumpet

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., June 5, 2026

1. Gideon's Trumpet Mural

Inscription.

Clarence Earl Gideon, born in Hannibal, MO in 1910, was accused of theft in Florida in 1961. Forced to defend himself, he was found guilty. In his second trial, in 1963, with the pretense of a criminal having "the right to an attorney even if they cannot afford one," with a court appointed lawyer, he was acquitted The case has been immortalized in the 1961 book by Anthony Lewis "Gideon's Trumpet," and the 1980 made-for-television drama of the same name starring Henry Fonda.

Erected by Music City Murals.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Civil Rights. A significant historical year for this entry is 1961.

Location. 39° 42.658′ N, 91° 21.351′ W. Marker is in Hannibal, Missouri, in Marion County. It is on Center Street east of Main Street, on the left when traveling east. Mural is along an unnamed alley. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Center Street, Hannibal MO 63401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Missouri’s Mark Twain Country.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

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in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ukelele Ike (here, next to this marker); Marie Ruoff Byrum (here, next to this marker); Gaba's Girls (here, next to this marker); Eagle Eye Beckley (a few steps from this marker); Admiral Coontz (a few steps from this marker); Bill Lear (a few steps from this marker); Kiwanis Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); "Great Flood of 1973" Highmark (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hannibal.

Also see . . .
1. Clarence Earl Gideon (Historic Missourians). (Submitted on June 7, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. Facts and Case Summary - Gideon v. Wainwright (United States Courts). (Submitted on June 7, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., June 5, 2026

2. Gideon's Trumpet Mural

Third mural from right

Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 7, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.