Today, October 7, marks the anniversary of the death of the famed international genius and writer of many macabre masterpieces, Edgar Allan Poe. When you pair that with this being Halloween month, you can easily see plenty of “Poe”tential for enjoying eerie events and endeavors related to the literary great and some of his most chilling tales and poems.
This past week alone you may have noticed an uptick in all the Poe-related events throughout the greater Baltimore area. There are even more slated in the coming weeks. Given how the writer has residential ties directly based in Baltimore, along with other locales throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, it’s easy to see why.
In addition to the upcoming special events to attend, several historical sites associated with Edgar Allan Poe can be visited anytime but are especially fun to explore this time of year. Some buildings and structures have since been demolished, altered, and are “nevermore.” But those looking to go on their own impromptu Poe perusal can still visit the physical site addresses of many locations. Here are seven suggested stops to consider when making rounds at Poe-related places.
Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum, 203 N Amity Street
This is, without a doubt, the most quintessential Edgar Allan Poe must-do for very obvious reasons. Located on North Amity Street, this was the home where Poe once lived with his aunt/future mother-in-law Maria Clemm, along with her mother Elizabeth Cairnes Poe, cousin and future wife Virginia Eliza Clemm, and likely his cousin Henry Clemm.
Now serving as the Edgar Allen Poe House & Museum, the building is open to the public and plays host to several Poe-related tours, events, and more throughout the year. It’s also home to the annually held International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards each October. This year’s event ran from October 4 through 6, this past weekend.
Latrobe House, 11 E Mulberry Street
Over on East Mulberry, you’ll come to what is known as the John H.B. Latrobe House. Not only was it the home and residence of noted lawyer and inventor John Hazlehurst Boneval Latrobe, but it is currently the only surviving building associated with the Saturday Morning Visiter writing contest, which jumpstarted Poe’s literary career.
It was in October of 1833 one evening when John H.B. Latrobe, John Pendleton Kennedy, and James H. Miller read a submission by an unknown named Edgar Allan Poe titled “Ms. Found in a Bottle.” Undeniably impressed by Poe’s work, they unanimously declared him the contest’s winner and awarded him a cash prize of $50.
Mount Clare B&O Railroad Station, 901 W Pratt Street
Alternately known as “Mt. Clare Depot,” the Mt. Clare Station at the B&O Railroad Museum, stands out as its oldest surviving building. It is also a designated National Historic Landmark.
Edgar was a frequent traveler who departed this railroad station on several occasions. It served as his primary means of visiting John Pendleton Kennedy in Ellicott’s Mills, for instance. Poe and Kennedy struck up a friendship after he won the Saturday Morning Visiter contest.
The Horse You Came In On Saloon, 1626 Thames Street
This Baltimore-based saloon is surprisingly underrated, given its two historic claims to fame. Established back in 1775, “The Horse,” as it’s been familiarly nicknamed by locals, is reportedly the oldest continually operating saloon in all of America. It’s also believed to be the very last destination Edgar Allan Poe was seen visiting just before he was found delirious on the street.
44 E Lombard Street
This is the exact location of that aforementioned street where Edgar Allan Poe was found delirious by a man named Joseph Walker on October 3, 1849. According to Walker, Poe was found right outside a building, appearing to be disheveled and disoriented. He contacted Dr. Joseph Evans Snodgrass and Poe was taken to the hospital.
Church Hospital, 100 N Broadway
Formerly known as Washington College Hospital, this is the hospital where Edgar Allan Poe took his last breath on October 7, 1849. His cause of death was never verified and remains a mystery to this day.
Westminster Hall and Burying Ground, 515 W Fayette Street
Located on West Fayette Street, this is the final resting place of Edgar Allan Poe. Other family members of his are also buried here, including Poe’s cousin/wife Virginia and her mother/Poe’s aunt. They were previously laid to rest elsewhere. Several other famous figures in local history are buried here as well.
There are numerous other Poe places to explore in and around Baltimore and beyond. The neighboring states of Delaware, Virginia, and Pennsylvania also have viable claims to Edgar Allan Poe. And again, there are plenty of Poe-related events still forthcoming in the weeks and months ahead. It’s safe to say that Poe potential here and elsewhere is forever abundant.