Edgar Allan Poe Birthday: Famed Writer's Popular Grave Site Marks 164 Years (PHOTOS)

Visiting Edgar Allan Poe In Baltimore
A flashlight shines on items left on the gravestone of Edgar Allen Poe by people who pretended to be the mysterious "Poe Toaster" in Baltimore, early Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012. Fans waited long past a midnight dreary to see if the true "Poe Toaster" would return after a two-year hiatus to leave cognac and roses upon the writer's grave on the anniversary of his birth, or whether the tradition had reached an end. The "Poe Toaster" was a no-show for a third year. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
A flashlight shines on items left on the gravestone of Edgar Allen Poe by people who pretended to be the mysterious "Poe Toaster" in Baltimore, early Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012. Fans waited long past a midnight dreary to see if the true "Poe Toaster" would return after a two-year hiatus to leave cognac and roses upon the writer's grave on the anniversary of his birth, or whether the tradition had reached an end. The "Poe Toaster" was a no-show for a third year. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

For decades, the notorious "Poe Toaster" would arrive at the Baltimore grave of Edgar Allan Poe with cognac and three roses on the day of Poe's birth, January 19. Last year was the third year the mystery guest failed to show, the Associated Press reports.

No matter. Fans and curious folks alike flock to the famous writer's grave every year on this day to pay tribute to the man behind "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Raven." Poe, who lived in the city for a time, died on a return visit to Baltimore in 1849 and was interred at Westminster Burial Ground. He was later moved to a more prominent spot in front of the cemetery, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, in 1875.

Visitors in town this weekend to check out the famous grave can also head over to the Poe House, where he penned a number of stories and poems, not far away on Amity Street.

More contemporary-minded tourists might be more interested in Baltimore's two outstanding fine art museums, its world-class aquarium or its exciting local coffee shop scene.

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