Westminster Presbyterian Church

On the Grid : The Grave of Edgar Allan Poe

"Edgar Allan Poe is a famed poet and novelist, but no one is certain what caused his untimely death in 1849 (drugs? drinking? rabies?). What we do know for sure is that he found final rest at Westminster Hall. Actually, Westminster has two burial spots attributed to Poe: the first, where he remained until 1875, marked by a headstone with a raven, and his present grave, marked with a larger monument. Pay him a visit any time of year, but if you’re nearby on January 19th, keep your eyes peeled for the return of the Poe Toaster—a secret visitor who for decades left three roses and an unfinished bottle of cognac on Poe’s original grave to commemorate his birthday. A fittingly mysterious tribute for a man who loved the macabre." - Exit10