Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

It is the former home of the famous American writer, Edgar Allan Poe, and is now a museum dedicated to his life and works. The site features exhibits on Poe's life, including artifacts, manuscripts, and personal belongings. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and learn about Poe's life and the inspiration behind his writing.

Some of the highlights of the Poe National Historic Site include the writer's original writing desk and a replica of his famous raven. In addition, there are exhibits on the literary history of Philadelphia, including the city's role in the American Revolution.

Interesting facts about the Poe National Historic Site include that the house was originally built in 1750, making it one of the oldest surviving buildings in Philadelphia. Poe lived in the house with his wife, Virginia, and her mother, Maria Clemm, from 1843-1844.

The best time of year to visit the Poe National Historic Site is in the fall, as this is when the city of Philadelphia celebrates the writer's life with various events and festivals. However, the museum is open year-round and is a great place to visit any time of year.

Overall, the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is a must-see destination for fans of Poe's writing and anyone interested in American literary history.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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