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Edgar Allan Poe--Family Homes and Catacombs

© Ella Robinson

October is a chilling month for American literature fans. The northern breezes turn cooler, leaves change color and fall from trees, and our thoughts turn to the man who can change a romantic illusion into a bone-shivering nightmare even from his grave. This is an excellent month for literary tourists to seek out the poet and short story writer Edgar Allan Poe.

Whether you have time for an extended tour exploring the many phases of Poe's life, only have time for a weekend in Baltimore, or if you can only arrange an armchair journey, you will enjoy making Edgar Allan Poe your focus for this month.

Sites to See

The Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia, is regularly open for public tours. Browsing through the five buildings full of Poe memorabilia will start your October study of Poe on a delightful note. Check out the museum's web site for a wealth of information.

Poe, his wife, and mother-in-law lived in Philadelphia from 1838 to 1844. The house that he rented at 530-32 North 7th Street has been declared a National Historic Site and is open for public tours. It was here that Poe wrote some of his most memorable works including "Murders in the Rue Morgue," "The Pit and the Pendulum," and "The Tell-Tale Heart." Your heart will be beating a little faster after you read the superb information at the US History web site.

The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage in New York was Poe's final home. Here he wrote many poems while caring for his ailing wife. The home is open for public tours and provides Poe fans with a wealth of information.

Special Halloween Treats
Each of the Poe museums will have special tributes planned to honor the author during October. As a literary tourist, you might be particularly interested in the graveside ceremony and commemorative lecture on the life and works of Poe sponsored by the Baltimore Poe Society. This is an annual event, held on the first weekend in October.

For those who only have time to attend one event, plan to join other Poe fans for a scheduled night tour of Westminister Presbyterian Churchyard. Annually, as a special Halloween treat, the cemetery and catacombs become alive with literary fans searching out Poe's final resting place. You can get all the details by calling (410) 706-2072.

For Armchair Travelers
When time is short and you can't possibly schedule time away from home, honor your favorite spooky writer by searching the Internet or your local public library.

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