Edgar Allan Poe is famous because he was a major influence on American and world literature, was the pioneer of Science Fiction and basically invented the modern detective story with his 1841 short story “The Murders in the Rue Morgue”.

Here at his home you can experience the space that would prove Poe’s final permanent home as well as the site of some of his greatest literary productions in his career.

The famous American poet rented this cottage near Kingsbridge Road and Valentine Avenue for $100 a year from 1846 to 1849.

Poe,  a Boston native moved to New York City in 1844 at the age of 35 in search of better opportunities.

At the time prior to the creation of the Bronx,  the cottage was located in the village of Fordham a suburb of Manhattan.

His cottage was near Rose Hill campus, where he would often visit and spend time with his Jesuit friends.

The Jesuits would allow Poe to peruse the library where he often would stay for hours.   Though at the time Poe was not wealthy or widely known,  the Jesuits knew of his literary brilliance and welcomed him with open arms.

The gesture was not unrequited of the Jesuits,  Poe once said they were “highly cultivated gentleman and scholars”.

“They smoked and they drank and played cards”  Poe said and “never said a word about religion”.

Poe married his first cousin, Virginia in 1836.   She was 13 years old and he was 27.   His Aunt Maria Clemm consented to the union and lived with the couple until his death on October 7th 1849.

Virginia became ill with tuberculosis and died at the cottage on June 30th 1847.

After Virginia’s death Poe experienced numerous personal losses, battled inner demons and struggled with addiction throughout his life.

These experiences seeped into his works, giving them a unique and chilling authenticity.

Poe’s stories and poems often explored themes of death, madness and the supernatural.

He said “I became insane, with long intervals of horrible sanity”.

It was here Poe wrote some of his best-known works including “The Cask of Amontillado” and “Annabelle Lee”.

The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage was built in 1812,  and is a New York city and state landmark listed on the national register of the historic places.

The 3 acre site includes the original home, as well as an adjoining home with exhibits exploring Poe and his family.

The exhibit features multimedia content on the life and literary output of Edgar Allan Poe during his time at the cottage.

There is an audio tour available for your cell phone.

Admission is $5, open Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and private tours can be scheduled.