Today, back in 1849, one of America’s most famous writers, Edgar Allan Poe, passed away under mysterious circumstances in Baltimore, Maryland. Poe, best known for his dark and haunting tales like The Tell-Tale Heart and The Raven, was only 40 years old when he died. His death has puzzled historians for over a century, as the exact cause remains unknown.
Poe’s final days were as strange as the stories he wrote. He left Richmond, Virginia, at the end of September 1849, planning to travel to New York City. However, he never reached his destination. Instead, on October 3, Poe was found in a confused and distressed state outside a tavern in Baltimore. He was wearing clothes that didn’t seem to be his, and no one could explain how he ended up there. Taken to Washington College Hospital, he spent four days in and out of consciousness before passing away on October 7. His last words were reportedly, “Lord, help my poor soul.”
The cause of Poe’s death has been a source of speculation ever since. Some believe he died from alcohol poisoning, as Poe struggled with drinking throughout his life. Others suggest he was a victim of “cooping,” a form of election fraud where people were forced to vote multiple times in different disguises. Since he was found on election day, this theory has gained some traction. Other possible causes include rabies, tuberculosis, or even a brain tumor. No autopsy was performed, leaving many questions unanswered.
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Despite the mystery surrounding his death, Edgar Allan Poe’s influence on literature is undeniable. His gothic stories and poems helped shape modern horror and detective fiction. Though initially buried in an unmarked grave, he was given a proper monument in 1875 at Westminster Hall in Baltimore, where admirers still visit to honor his memory. Poe’s work continues to captivate readers, and the strange circumstances of his death have only added to his legend.