Poe in South Carolina (and elsewhere) - Poe International: The International Edgar A Poe Society

Midnightdreary · Senior Member

RE: Poe in South Carolina (and elsewhere)

Midnightdreary · Senior Member

Does anyone know of any other places that have cult-like Poe followings? Or even minor landmarks?

I recently found out that the home of Nancy Richmond (the one who officially changed her name to "Annie" in honor of the poem after her husband's death) in Lowell, Massachusetts is marked with a historical marker. I haven't seen it yet (and won't be able to until some massive thawing occurs thanks to the new piles of snow). The home is now part of the town of Westford and, after Poe's death, the family let Maria Clemm live there for a couple years. Lowell also has a bar called The Old Worthen, where legend persists Poe was a frequent visitor/drinker there and, of course, may have started writing "The Raven" there. More likely, if you have seen the book "The Unknown Poe," this bar was the inspiration for "Lines on Ale."

Midnightdreary · Senior Member

The Boston Globe ran a great article recently on Poe's staunch following in South Carolina.

Even though Poe spent less time there then, say, Philadelphia or Baltimore or New York, residents of Sullivan's Island have really embraced Poe as a native son - not even Philadelphia or Baltimore have a "Raven Drive" or "Gold Bug Avenue," let alone an Edgar Allan Poe Public Library! There's also a local legend that an old story from Charleston inspired the plot of "Annabel Lee."

Dr. Scott Peeples, professor at the College of Charleston, spoke about the South Carolina connection recently and it sounds like that the people out there just love and adore Poe. Of course, there are plenty of spots throughout the country that lay a tight claim on Poe. I compare him to the "George Washington slept here" phenomenon - everyone wants a piece of Poe. Has anyone seen any other places like this? There's a spot in Delaware (!!!), for example, that claims to be where Poe wrote "The Raven."