Edgar Allan Poe Cottage | Bronx

The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage in the Bronx, New York, is a historical landmark and a significant site for literary history. Located at 2640 Grand Concourse in Poe Park, the cottage was the last residence of the famous American poet and writer Edgar Allan Poe, where he spent his final years. It was during his time in this small, humble home that he wrote some of his most enduring works, and it remains a testament to his legacy.

History of the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage

The cottage was originally built around 1812 as a small farmhouse. In 1846, Poe, his wife Virginia, and her mother Maria Clemm moved into the cottage. Poe's wife, Virginia, was suffering from tuberculosis at the time, and the family sought the peaceful, rural setting of the Bronx for her health. Despite the difficult circumstances, Poe found inspiration here, and it was in this quiet home that he wrote some of his most important works, including the poem Annabel Lee, the essay Eureka, and The Bells.

The cottage became more than just a residence for Poe; it was a place of creativity, but also of personal hardship. Virginia died of tuberculosis in 1847, and Poe’s own health began to decline. He left the cottage in 1849 to travel to Baltimore, where he died under mysterious circumstances shortly thereafter.

After Poe’s death, the cottage changed hands several times and fell into disrepair. In 1913, the New York Shakespeare Society bought the cottage and moved it across the street to its current location in Poe Park to ensure its preservation. It was designated as a New York City Landmark in 1966 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

Architectural Features

The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage is an excellent example of early 19th-century rural architecture. The building itself is a simple, one-story frame structure that reflects the modest lifestyle of the time. The interior features period-appropriate furnishings, including items such as Poe’s writing desk, a rocking chair, and a rope bed—objects that allow visitors to step into the world of Poe’s final years.

Though the cottage was relocated in the early 20th century, it retains much of its historical charm and is a rare example of rural architecture that once typified the area before it became a bustling urban neighborhood. The house remains largely intact, with the architecture of the time still visible in the basic layout and design.

The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage Today

Today, the cottage is maintained by the Bronx County Historical Society. It is open to the public for tours and educational visits, offering a glimpse into the life of one of the most influential writers in American history. Visitors can learn about Poe’s time in the Bronx, the circumstances surrounding his works, and his significance to American literature.

The cottage also features a Visitor Center that was opened in 2008, which houses additional exhibits about Poe’s life, work, and legacy. The center also explores the broader context of Poe’s influence on American and global literature.

What to See at the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage

Inside the cottage, you’ll find carefully preserved rooms with period furniture that reflect the time when Poe lived there. Some of the items you can see include:

Poe's Writing Desk: This is where he wrote many of his famous works, giving visitors a sense of how he worked in his final years.

A Rocking Chair: A simple piece of furniture that was likely used by Poe or his family during their quiet moments in the cottage.

A Rope Bed: This type of bed was common in the 19th century and offers insight into the modest living conditions Poe and his family experienced.

In addition to these items, there are exhibits in the Visitor Center that delve into Poe’s literary contributions, his tragic personal life, and the cultural climate of his time. These exhibitions help contextualize his works and their enduring impact on literature, particularly in the genres of Gothic fiction and poetry.

Visiting the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage

The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage is located in Poe Park in the Bronx, and it is open to visitors for tours. Here's what you need to know:

Location: 2640 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10458

Hours of Operation:

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Admission Fees:

Adults: $5

Seniors and Students: $3

Free admission for NYC residents through the Culture Pass NYC program.

Private tours are also available by appointment for those seeking a more in-depth experience of Poe’s life and legacy.

How to Get There

The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage is easily accessible via public transportation:

Subway: You can take the D or 4 train to the Kingsbridge Road station. The cottage is located across the street in Poe Park.

Bus: Several MTA bus lines serve the area, including Bx1, Bx2, Bx9, Bx22, Bx28, Bx34, and express bus BxM4.

For those interested in learning about American literary history, the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage provides a unique opportunity to explore the life and works of a literary giant in the very space where he spent his final years. Whether you're a fan of Poe’s works, a history enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a quiet historical site, the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage offers a meaningful and reflective experience.