Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is a three-story brick rowhouse in Philadelphia where the author lived from 1843 to 1844. The building has been set up as a museum displaying how the rooms looked at that time, with exhibits documenting his life and work.

Poe came to Philadelphia to work as a writer and occupied this house during a difficult period in his life. Later the property was taken over by the government to preserve his legacy as one of the founders of American literature.

The house displays how Poe lived and worked in Philadelphia, with furnishings and objects from his era. Visitors can see which rooms he used and get a sense of what his daily life was like.

The site is affordable and easily walkable, with direct access to the historic neighborhood. Take time to explore the narrow staircases and small rooms, as some areas may feel tight and confined.

The basement of the house contains details that appear in Poe's story The Black Cat, suggesting that real places inspired his tales. These direct connections between the actual house and his fiction make a visit especially rewarding for readers of his works.

Location: Philadelphia

Operator: National Park Service

Website: https://nps.gov/edal

GPS coordinates: 39.96197,-75.15000

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02