As the birth month of American writer Edgar Allan Poe draws to a close, I thought it particularly fitting to pay homage to one of my all-time favorites.

The Romantic-era author’s but mere forty years of life tells of an orphaned youngster, an academically excelling student, an army soldier, a highly-respected literary critic, an instantly successful poet, and a heartbroken widowed husband rumored to have struggled with addiction issues.

Contrary to his troubled times, Edgar Allan Poe was known as one of the most influential writers in American literature. Being the first author to make writing a profession, Poe is credited with developing the detective story genre and shaping the element of science fiction. Sadly, his aspirations of additional literary projects never came to fruition as he died at age forty. Much like his written works, even the obscurity surrounding his premature death remain a mystery.

And while Poe followers could spend countless hours reading about the life of their favorite literary genius, nothing can quite take the place of actually visibly experiencing where he spent a notable eleven months of it.

Located along the stretch of McCormick Road on the beautiful campus of The University of Virginia is the West section of the Range, part of the university’s housing communities dating back to the original college grounds designed by Thomas Jefferson.

Two centuries later, these rooms continue to function as housing facilities reserved for graduate students only. Despite the lack of modern everyday amenities, it’s still considered a very honorable privilege to live in these prestigious rooms.

Unlike the other Range rooms fashioning the black paneled wooden doors that welcome different students every year, one remains empty; its doorway encased in transparent glass.

This room, #13, now serves as a shrine to the university’s most famous alumni who once lived there.

Thanks to The University of Virginia, and in cooperation with the care and keeping of The Raven Society, Poe fans can, literally, take a glimpse into the life of their favorite poet.

Edgar Allan Poe enrolled at The University of Virginia in February of 1826 and attended for one term. Studying Ancient and Modern Languages, he was also elected to the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society that June and served at one point as secretary pro tem.

Although Poe’s time at UVA was brief due to his accumulating financial debts, his presence lives on in #13.

The Raven Society, an elite academic group founded in 1904, maintains Poe’s former room, and each year nominates a single member as its caretaker.

While none of the furnishings in #13 have any personal connection to Edgar, (it’s been documented that in his last weeks at the university, Poe was forced to break up his furniture using it for firewood to stay warm) the contents are reproductions of what would have furnished the dorm during the Poe-era of 1826.

Poe fans can view the room through the glass door and hear about the famous poet’s time at the university with the press of a button.

#13 is recognized by a historical marker on the grounds out front, while a plaque above the doorway reads, “Edgar Allan Poe” with Latin words underneath translating to “A small room for a giant poet.”

To gaze upon the worn wood floor planks where a young Edgar trod as he, perhaps, deliberated his early literary thoughts that would one day be penned and appreciated for centuries to come.

Or, to imagine the roaring blaze in the brick fireplace where he stoked many a flame on cold winter nights while up late with his studies.

These, my friends, are the things in which Poe enthusiasts delight.

Right down to The Raven Society’s annual midnight initiation ceremony where his works are read aloud and new members scribe their names with quill and ink in true Poe fashion, this tribute of #13 commemorating Poe’s life and legacy would, no doubt, have humbled the famous poet. Why, in his day, it may have even inspired a rather interesting short prose.   

Edgar Allan Poe’s room is on display on UVA’s campus located on McCormick Road, West Range #13, Charlottesville VA.

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