Edgar Allan Poe’s grave isn’t just a simple stone; it’s a testament to a life shrouded in mystery, echoing even in death. Tucked away in Baltimore’s Westminster Hall and Burying Ground, Poe’s tombstone has become a pilgrimage site for literature lovers and those intrigued by the macabre. This is a story of mishaps, mysteries, and enduring memory—a fitting tribute to the author himself.
Westminster Hall and Burying Ground, a place of quiet reflection, holds a peculiar secret. Edgar Allan Poe, the master of macabre tales, has had a surprisingly difficult time finding his final rest. The story of his tombstone is a twisted narrative of mishaps, mysteries, and an enduring memory. It’s a strange irony that a writer known for his tales of the uncanny should have his own final chapter filled with such unusual circumstances.
The Enigma of “80”
In 1849, upon his death in Baltimore, Poe was initially laid to rest in a simple, unmarked grave. A plain sandstone marker, bearing only the number “80,” was placed there, likely by George W. Spence to identify the plot. But why “80”? Some believe it was a clerical error, a random number assigned in the haste of burial. Others see a coded message lost to time. This initial obscurity lasted over a decade, a humble beginning for a literary giant soon to be recognized. Check out the story of another fascinating historical figure, Boukman Dutty, a key leader in the Haitian Revolution.]
A Headstone’s Untimely Demise
In 1860, Poe’s cousin, Neilson Poe, commissioned a marble headstone, a more fitting tribute. But fate intervened. The headstone was destroyed, probably in a train accident, before it reached the cemetery. A replacement was never ordered, leaving Poe’s grave once again unmarked.
A Monument Rises, a Legend Begins
Finally, in 1875, a more elaborate monument was erected, designed by George A. Frederick and funded partly by Baltimore school teachers. This grander structure now serves as a fitting tribute to the literary master. It includes a cenotaph marking the original burial spot. Sadly, the original “80” marker is lost. But the story continues.
The Poe Toaster: A Riddle Wrapped in an Enigma
For decades, from the 1930s (or possibly earlier) until 2009, a mysterious figure, the “Poe Toaster,” visited Poe’s original grave annually, leaving three red roses and a half-empty bottle of cognac. Who was this enigmatic visitor? A devoted admirer? A descendant? Their identity remains a mystery. Why did the tradition cease in 2009? The questions linger, adding to the mystique of Poe’s final resting place.
Westminster Hall: Echoes of History
Westminster Hall and Burying Ground, established in 1786, isn’t just Poe’s final resting place. It’s a historical landmark, home to the graves of other notable figures like James Calhoun, Baltimore’s first mayor, and James Morrison Harris, a US Representative. Visiting Poe’s grave offers a glimpse into Baltimore’s rich past. Explore the tactical brilliance of the battle of leuctra and its impact on ancient Greece.]
Why Was Poe Buried in an Unmarked Grave?
Baltimore, 1849: Edgar Allan Poe, master of the macabre, dies in poverty. His initial burial in Westminster Hall and Burying Ground reflects this harsh reality: an unmarked plot next to his grandfather, no headstone, just a simple sandstone marker inscribed “80,” placed there by George W. Spence. Some historians suggest confusion over plot location or simple clerical error. The significance of “80” remains a mystery, a numerical enigma in Poe’s story.
Years later, in 1860, his cousin, Neilson Poe, commissioned a marble headstone. Tragically, it was destroyed, probably in a train accident, before reaching the cemetery. This unfortunate event further delayed a proper memorial. The absence of a marker left a literal and symbolic void, emphasizing the lack of formal recognition for Poe shortly after his passing.
Poe’s literary merit eventually gained recognition, spurred in part by efforts of Baltimore school children in 1875. They tirelessly fundraised, their “Pennies for Poe” campaign resonating with the city, providing funds for the current monument. Poe’s remains were reinterred in a prominent location, marking a turning point in his legacy.
By 1913, an “In Memoriam” stone was placed at the original burial site, ensuring its place in literary history. The journey of Poe’s burial site, from obscurity to landmark, mirrors the trajectory of his reputation, reminding us that recognition, while sometimes delayed, ultimately prevails.
Where is Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave Located?
Edgar Allan Poe’s grave is located in Westminster Hall and Burying Ground in Baltimore, Maryland, a place steeped in history. It’s a story of two locations within the same cemetery: the original, unmarked plot from 1849, and the prominent monument erected in 1875.
The Original Plot: A Humble Beginning
Poe’s initial burial was a simple affair, reflecting his strained finances at the time of his death. The grave remained unmarked, a marble headstone meant for the site destroyed prior to its arrival. George W. Spence later marked the grave with a simple sandstone block, a temporary measure in the face of near oblivion.
The 1875 Monument: A Literary Shrine
As Poe’s literary star ascended, a more fitting tribute became necessary. The 1875 monument, funded by Baltimore school children, stands at a more prominent location in the cemetery, marking his rise from obscurity to literary immortality. Here, Poe’s remains rest alongside those of his wife, Virginia, and mother-in-law, Maria Clemm.
Westminster Hall: A Cemetery Steeped in History
Westminster Hall, established in 1786, is more than just Poe’s final resting place. It is the final resting place of other notable figures, including James Calhoun, Baltimore’s first mayor, and James Morrison Harris, a U.S. Representative, adding to the site’s historical significance.
The Poe Toaster: A Legacy of Mystery
The legend of the “Poe Toaster” adds a touch of mystery to Poe’s grave. For decades, an unknown individual visited annually, leaving three red roses and cognac. The tradition, ceasing in 2009, fuels speculation and enhances the mystique surrounding Poe.
Why Does Edgar Allan Poe Have Two Graves?
Edgar Allan Poe’s two gravesites in Baltimore’s Westminster Burying Ground reflect the evolution of his legacy. His initial burial, in 1849, was a modest, unmarked grave in the back of the cemetery, mirroring his financial struggles and lack of widespread recognition at the time.
As Poe’s literary fame grew, the need for a more fitting memorial arose. Neilson Poe, a distant relative, among others, championed the cause, likely driven by a sense of duty to the writer’s legacy. In 1875, Poe’s remains were relocated to a more prominent location near the front of the cemetery. The new site, marked by a grand monument, signifies the literary world’s belated recognition of his genius. This new grave also became the final resting place for Poe’s wife, Virginia, and his mother-in-law, Maria Clemm.
Adding an intriguing layer to the narrative is the legend of the “Poe Toaster.” For decades, a cloaked figure annually visited the grave, leaving three red roses and a half-empty bottle of cognac, a ritual ceasing in 2009.
The dual gravesites are not merely a matter of relocation; they represent the transformation of Poe’s image from overlooked writer to literary icon. The simple, unmarked grave embodies his difficult life, while the monument symbolizes his enduring literary influence. This evolution underscores the power of literary legacy and the delayed, yet ultimate, recognition of artistic genius.
Grave
Description
Year
Significance
Original Grave
Unmarked plot in the back of Westminster Burying Ground
1849
Reflects Poe’s limited finances and initial lack of fame.
Current Grave/Monument
Prominent monument with a bust of Poe at the front of Westminster Burying Ground. Also contains the remains of Virginia Poe and Maria Clemm.
1875
Represents Poe’s posthumous recognition and literary impact.
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