Poppleton in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Edgar Allan Poe House
“The little house in the lowly street with the lovely name.” This was how Edgar Allan Poe described 203 Amity Street, where he lived from 1832 to 1835 with his grandmother, aunt, and cousin Virginia, whom he married in 1836.
While living here, the famous American writer first gained public recoginition. In 1833, Poe won a literacy contest sponsored by the Baltimore Saturday Visitor, one of the seventy magazines that burst upon, the local scene in the early 19th century. The three judges, who included J. H. B. Latrobe, unanimously awarded the $50 prize to Poe for “MS in a Bottle.” “Distinguished by a vigorous and poetical imagination,” declared the judges, “a rich style, a fertile invention and varied and curious learning.”
Poe became famous for his lyric poetry, discerning criticism, detective stories and hair raising “tales of the grotesque and ababesque,” but his personal life was clouded by difficulties with alcohol, intermittent poverty and tragedy. Poe died in Baltimore under mysterious circumstances on October 7, 1849, having been found four days earlier in an unconscious state on Lombard Street. He is buried in Western Burying Grounds at Westminster Church.
Erected by the City of Baltimore, Jeff Jerome, sponsor, William Donald Schaefer, mayor.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Education. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Baltimore City historical markers, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1859.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 17.487′ N, 76° 37.99′ W. Marker was in Baltimore, Maryland. It was in Poppleton. Marker was on Amity Street, 0.1 miles north of Fayatte Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 203 Amity St, Baltimore MD 21223, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Edgar Allan Poe House (a few steps from this marker); Alexandroffsky (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Western District Station House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Irish Railroad Workers Shrine (approx. 0.3 miles away); Perkins Square Gazebo (approx. 0.4 miles away); National Independence in the Revolution and War of 1812 (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Stone of the Balt. & Ohio Rail Road (approx. 0.4 miles away); Site of Old Relay Station and Hotel (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
More about this marker. This marker has been replaced with a newer marker with the same name.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced by the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 3,811 times since then and 19 times this year. Last updated on September 14, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on September 9, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on April 9, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. 3, 4. submitted on September 9, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 5. submitted on April 9, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. 6. submitted on September 9, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 7. submitted on April 9, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.