Westminster Hall and Burying Ground, Baltimore

Nestled in the heart of Baltimore, the Westminster Hall and Burying Ground is a site steeped in history and mystery. This historical landmark, which includes a Gothic Revival church built atop the earlier cemetery grounds, is most famously known as the final resting place of the illustrious American writer Edgar Allan Poe.

The Westminster Hall, originally Westminster Presbyterian Church, was constructed in the 1850s and boasts a unique architectural feature: a catacombs-style basement created due to the church being built over existing graves. The church was deconsecrated in the 1970s and has since been transformed into a cultural venue for lectures, concerts, and weddings, merging its historical past with a vibrant present.

The adjacent Burying Ground is one of the oldest in Baltimore, dating back to 1786, and hosts an array of prominent figures from the city's past. However, it is the grave of Poe that draws literary enthusiasts from around the globe. Poe's original burial site was at the back of the graveyard, but his remains were moved to a more prominent spot near the entrance in 1875, marked by a stately monument.

Visitors to the Westminster Hall and Burying Ground can explore the history and hauntings that are said to permeate the grounds. The site is a poignant reminder of Baltimore's rich historical tapestry and provides an evocative setting for those seeking to connect with the city's literary heritage.