Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

Hannibal, Mo -- One of the few statues in the world depicting fictional characters was rededicated Saturday in America's hometown.

After many months of planning and labor the Tom and Huck statue at the foot of Cardiff Hill in Hannibal has been transformed.

The statue of the two fictional boys was originally dedicated May 27th, 1926 in honor of Mark Twain.

The foundation and the original cement walls behind the statue had deteriorated and were declared unsound in 2006.

They have been replaced with a more natural surrounding, including large stones and landscaping.

George Mahan, who commissioned the original project, hoped it would bring inspiration to children in Hannibal and around the world.

That's why the statue was refurbished and repaired for people to enjoy it for future generations.

"In those 83 years there have literally been millions of people who have stopped and looked at the statue and I can't imagine how many photographs have been taken so I think his inspiration has been realized through all those years and the original masonry had been there until we started this project," said Henry Sweets Curator of Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum.

An unexpected and generous donation from the late Delaney Mahan, grandson of the original benefactor, helped to transform the historical landmark.

Additionally, skill, labor, and materials were all donated by Klinger and Associates, Bleigh Construction, and Continental Cement.