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Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site Review

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Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

Address: 532 N. 7th St., Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, PA | Map It
Phone: 215/597-8780
www.nps.gov/edal

Category: Houses/Mansions
Location: Old City

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Fodor's Review:

One of America's most original writers, Edgar Allan Poe (1809-49), lived here from 1843 to 1844; it's the only one of his Philadelphia residences still standing. During that time some of his best-known short stories were published: "The Telltale Heart," "The Black Cat," and "The Gold Bug." You can tour the three-story brick house; to evoke the spirit of Poe, the National Park Service deliberately keeps it empty. An adjoining house has exhibits on Poe and his family, his work habits, and his literary contemporaries; there's also an eight-minute film and a small Poe library and reading room. A statue of a raven helps set the mood. Special programs include Poetry Month tours (usually March or April) and popular "ghostly" tours in October (reservations required). The site, easily reached from the African-American Museum, is five blocks north of Market Street. SEPTA Bus 47 travels on 7th Street to Spring Garden Street, where you should disembark.

Cost: Free
Open: Wed.-Sun. 9-5

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