H. L. Mencken House, Literary critic residence in Union Square, Baltimore, United States
The H. L. Mencken House is a three-story brick building with marble steps and a well-preserved office on the second floor. The rooms contain original furnishings and decorative details in the Italianate style, showing how an intellectual of that era lived and worked.
The house was home to the influential literary critic from 1883 until 1956, where he produced most of his notable work. During his decades there, he became one of the most important voices shaping American journalism and letters.
The house functioned as a gathering place where writers and artists met to discuss literature and ideas in the early 20th century. Visitors can still see the rooms where these intellectual exchanges happened.
Tours of the property are led by knowledgeable guides who explain the restored spaces and their contents. It is best to plan your visit in advance by scheduling a tour, and wear comfortable shoes since the historic stairs are narrow.
The desk on the second floor still holds the original typewriter where the critic composed his influential newspaper columns. This untouched workspace offers a direct glimpse into the daily work routine of a major journalist from that era.
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