That is an extremely odd story. Who is calling for Poe’s remains to be moved? Why would the reporter conceal the identity of “those” who are calling for the move? Debate rages? How can a debate rage when only one side is quoted, and he makes a very mild response? It sounds like there is less to this than meets the eye.
September 6, 2008
Philadelphia and Baltimore Fight Over Edgar Allan Poe’s Body
It’s almost like a scene from one of Edgar Allan Poe’s stories –Philadelphia is trying to claim Poe’s body from Baltimore. Actually, I may have exaggerated. It’s only one person, but he makes a good case. Edward Pettit, a Poe scholar in Philadelphia, argues that Poe wrote most of his best work in Philadelphia, which was a violent place in the mid-19th century when Poe lived there. Pettit says the city’s sinister atmosphere inspired Poe’s work. This may not do much for Philadelphia’s public relations, however.
Many cities could make a claim on Poe. He was born in Boston, lived in The Bronx in New York City and died in Baltimore. He even courted a woman in Providence, Rhode Island. Poe described himself as a Virginian. He spent much time in Richmond, including his early years, and always planned to return there. Relatives wanted to bury him in Brooklyn.