It is Located on a quiet street in the historic town of Fayetteville, North Carolina stands an abandoned house with a mysterious past. Known as the E. A. Poe House, this once grand and elegant home now lies in ruins, its walls covered in graffiti and its windows shattered.
But it wasn’t always like this. The E. A. Poe House has a rich history, one that is intertwined with the legacy of its namesake and the city of Fayetteville itself.
The History of The E. A. Poe House
The house was built in 1907 by Edward Augustus Poe, a wealthy successful businessman and descendant of the famous American author Edgar Allen Poe. He named the house after his famous relative in honor of their shared last name, and it quickly became a well-known landmark in Fayetteville.
The E.A. Poe was a beautiful example of Victorian architecture, with its ornate details and sprawling gardens making it stand out among the other homes in the area. It served as the primary residence for Edward and his family for many years, and it was a source of pride for the Poe family.
However, tragedy struck when Edward’s wife passed away unexpectedly in 1920. This event seemed to mark the beginning of a downward spiral for the house and its owner. Edward became reclusive and started neglecting the property, leading to its slow decline over the next few decades.
The Abandonment of The E. A. Poe House
By the 1950s, the once grand E. A. Poe House had become a shadow of its former self. It was no longer the elegant Victorian House it once was, and rumors began to swirl about strange occurrences happening within its walls.
Some claimed to have seen ghostly apparitions in the windows, while others reported hearing eerie noises coming from the house at night. These stories only added to the mystery and allure surrounding The E. A. Poe House.
In 1955, Edward passed away, leaving the house abandoned and without an owner. As time went on, it fell into a state of disrepair, with vandals and squatters adding to its destruction. Despite attempts by the city to save the house, it was eventually deemed unsafe and had to be boarded up.
The Legacy of The E. A. Poe House
Despite its abandonment, The E. A. Poe House continues to hold a special place in the heart of Fayetteville residents. Many still remember its former glory and are saddened by its current state.
In 1978, the property was purchased by the city of Fayetteville and added to the National Register of Historic Places. This designation recognizes its significance in American history and ensures that it will be preserved for future generations.
One cannot talk about The E. A. Poe House without acknowledging the legacy it holds for both Edgar Allan Poe and the city of Fayetteville.
Edgar Allan Poe is undeniably one of the most celebrated writers in American literature, known for his dark and macabre tales that continue to fascinate readers worldwide. His time spent living in The E. A. Poe House was crucial in shaping his writing style and influencing some of his most famous works.
The Preservation Efforts
Over the years, there have been several attempts to restore The E. A. Poe House to its former glory. However, due to its deteriorating state and lack of funding, these efforts have been challenging.
In 2008, a major restoration project was launched by the city of Fayetteville, with support from local organizations and fundraising initiatives. The goal was to restore the house to its original condition and open it as a museum dedicated to Edgar Allan Poe’s life and work.
Unfortunately, this project faced several setbacks, and the restoration work was put on hold. As of now, The E. A. Poe House remains closed to the public, but there are ongoing efforts to secure funding and resume the restoration project. Historic House Museums hold significant cultural and historical value, and it is essential to preserve them for future generations. The E. A. Poe House in Fayetteville is no exception.
The Haunting Legends
These haunting tales only add to the mystique and allure of The E. A. Poe House, making it a must-visit for fans of Edgar Allan Poe and ghost enthusiasts alike.
Throughout its years of abandonment, The E. A. Poe House has gained a reputation for being haunted. Many believe that Edward’s ghost still haunts the property, and there have been numerous reports of paranormal activities in and around the house.
One legend surrounding The E. A. Poe House tells of a ghostly figure seen walking through the halls at night, believed to be Edward himself. Others have claimed to hear strange noises and voices coming from inside the abandoned house.
These tales have only added to the mystique and allure of The E. A. Poe House, drawing in curious visitors and ghost hunters alike.
How did Urban Explorers get permission to visit The E. A. Poe House in Fayetteville?
- The city of Fayetteville holds jurisdiction over The E. A. Poe House. As such, any visits to the site need to be authorized by local officials.
- Urban explorers interested in visiting the house have had to apply for permission through the city’s Historic Resources Commission. This usually involves submitting a formal request outlining the purpose of the visit.
- In some instances, local historical societies, such as the Fayetteville Area Heritage Association, have been known to organize and coordinate visits to the site, working closely with city officials to ensure proper protocols are followed.
- There have also been cases where special tours are arranged during events or festivals in Fayetteville, offering a rare glimpse into the house’s haunting history.
- It’s important to note that unauthorized access to The E. A. Poe House is strictly prohibited. Violators can face legal repercussions, as the site is considered a valuable piece of Fayetteville’s cultural heritage.