This week in history, American author and poet Edgar Allan Poe mysteriously died at the age of 40. Before that untimely death on Oct. 7, 1849, the prolific mystery and macabre writer left behind several iconic works, including “The Raven” and “The Cask of Amontillado.”
More importantly, though, Poe lived in Philly.
Poe hailed from Boston and grew up in Virginia. Unsatisfied with the lack of creative freedom while writing for a magazine in New York, he quit his job and moved to Philadelphia in 1838 with his young (and sick) wife and mother-in-law. He hoped to start his own literary magazine while in the city, but while that dream never came to be his time in Philadelphia was considered his most productive.
While living here he wrote "The Black Cat" (which likely drew inspiration from his home’s cellar), "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Pit and the Pendulum," "Murders in the Rue Morgue" (considered the first modern detective story), and "The Fall of the House of Usher." He also wrote several essays, including "Morning on the Wissahiccon," which describes the natural beauty of Philly’s Wissahickon Valley. He found a literary community here and befriended talents such as Charles Dickens.
Living in Philly brought great success for Poe, but it was still a troubling time for him. In 1842, Poe filed for bankruptcy, as he owed many debts. (Though that didn’t stop him from lavishly furnishing his home beyond his means.) The poet was continuously down on his luck as he struggled to support his ill wife.
After living in Philadelphia for six years, Poe and his family returned to New York City, where he would stay until his death in Baltimore.
Poe lived in several homes during his short time here, but only one remains standing today. The home at 7th and Spring Garden Streets is a National Historic Site. The interior has limited furnishings but life-size illustrations of what the home may have looked like when he lived there.
Want to connect more with this adopted Philadelphian? Here’s how to engage with Poe’s legacy this month.
- Visit his home. Although the site is currently closed to visitors due on-going utilities improvements, you can view the home from outside. The National Park Service also has an online photo gallery and timeline. Down the block from his house is a mural dedicated to him.
- Commune with the spirits. Poe is buried in Baltimore, but many of his friends, colleagues, and enemies are eternally resting inside the hallowed grounds of Laurel Hill Cemetery. On Oct. 31, take a tour and learn the stories behind the graves of Poe’s Philadelphia.
- View rare manuscripts. The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Rare Book Department is home to an exceptional collection of Poe’s work. Some documents include autographed manuscripts and letters, and the only surviving copy of “The Raven” in his handwriting. Some materials can be found digitally. The Free Library also has Charles Dickens’ taxidermied pet raven, Grip, who may have inspired Poe’s iconic poem.
