How did the jumping-frog story make Mark Twain famous?

The story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" brought Mark Twain his first national fame by showcasing his mastery of local color and the tall tale tradition.1

While living in the Tuolumne foothills, Twain heard the widely known anecdote about a gambler named Jim Smiley and his trained frog, Daniel Webster. He took notes on the tale and eventually wrote it for a collection of humorous sketches. Although the story arrived too late for that specific volume, it was published in the New York Saturday Press in 1865.21

The piece was subsequently reprinted in newspapers across the country, leading to sudden celebrity for the author. This success effectively launched the career of "Mark Twain," as the public became captivated by his unique narrative voice and humorous style.2