Providence, Rhode Island: House of Edgar Allan Poe's Girlfriend
She promised to marry Poe if he gave up drinking. He didn't, so she didn't, and then he died. No plaque or marker; just the house.
- Address:
- 88 Benefit St., Providence, RI
- Directions:
- I-195 exit 2. Bear left toward Gano St. Take the next right onto Gano St. Take your second left onto Wickendon St. At second light take a right onto Benefit St. Whitman's house is about a mile down the road, on the left, big red house at the corner of Church St. Private home; visible from the street.
- Admission:
- Free
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Edgar Allan Poe's fiance Sarah Helen Whitman's house still stands in Providence. In a 19th century version of a whirlwind romance they decided to wed if he gave up drinking. He tried to kill himself and started to drink again. Sarah broke off the engagement three weeks later and never saw Poe again. He was dead less than a year later. Whitman was a fine poet and author in her own right.
Please view the house from the road; it is a private residence today.
[Bill La Civita, 05/29/2013]Nearby Offbeat Places
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