Westminster Hall and Burying Ground - Baltimore

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The Westminster Hall and Burying Ground is a graveyard and former church in Baltimore, Maryland. It's probably most famous as the burial site of Edgar Allan Poe. It has frequently been the site of ghostly tales and hauntings. Many believe paranormal activity happens here and that has attracted many visitors to the area. It has even been featured on some televisions shows about ghosts.

The graveyard was established in 1786 by the First Presbyterian Church. Many important and influential people were buried there over the next 60 years, but they were all pretty much overshadowed when it became the final resting place of writer Edgar Allan Poe. He was buried there after his sudden and mysterious death in October 1849.  In 1852, a church was erected overtop the graveyard creating catacombs. The congregation hoped that a new church would serve attract more parishioners. It seemed to work until the early 1900s. Eventually it was assumed by the Maryland School of Law in 1977. In 2006, the Westminster Preservation Trust put in more than 20 interpretive signs around the site.

Most people visit Westminster Hall and Burying Ground to catch a glimpse of Edgar Allen Poe's grave. He actually has two onsite. His original is near the back and only has a headstone with an engraved raven to mark the spot. The second is a monument added in 1875 after a teacher started the "Pennies for Poe" campaign. Even today it is a tradition for visitors to leave a penny at his gravesite. Poe's grandfather and brother are also buried in this area. When the writer was reburied they put him next to his wife Virginia.

Westminster Hall is the site of the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum's annual Poe birthday celebration every January. On Poe's birthday, January 19, an unidentified man known as the Poe Toaster visits the burying ground to make a tribute to the writer. Although many have tried to spot him, no one has been able to identify him. Supposedly this mystery visitor has come to the site every year since 1949. In 2007 a former historian came forward and claimed he was doing it to create publicity for the site, but his story has not been confirmed.

This site has become quite the tourist attraction and tours can be arranged for groups. In addition, there are quite a few lectures, weddings and other activities held here every year. Between 50 and 350 people can be accommodated depending on the event.  They have an approved list of caterers that are allowed to bring food onsite. For more information visit 500 West Baltimore Street, contact 410-706-2072.