Literary Landmark: Edgar Allen Poe house
Philadelphia, Pa.
Dedicated: July 31, 1988
Edgar Allan Poe’s Philadelphia home at 7th and Spring Garden Streets was designated a Literary Landmark on July 31, 1988. Poe resided in Philadelphia from 1838 to 1844 spreading his time among four different homes. He lived in the house on 7th Street in 1843 and 1844. This is the only house of Poe’s four Philadelphia residences still standing.
Poe’s six years in Philadelphia are said to be his most prolific. The famous author moved to Philadelphia in hopes of starting his own literary magazine; however he was never able to achieve that dream.
Two of Poe’s most frightening tales were written in this Philadelphia home: The Tell-Tale Heart and The Black Cat. The cellar in Poe’s house on 7th Street is said to resemble the one described in The Black Cat. While in Philadelphia, Poe also published some of his most famous works including The Fall of the House of Usher and The Murders in the Rue Morgue.
While in Philadelphia, Poe was editor and critic of two major magazines: Burton’s Gentlemen’s Magazine and Graham’s. He died in Baltimore in 1849 soon after his wife’s death.
Resources:
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site (National Park Service)
