
Edgar Allan Poe's Ties to South Carolina
Special | 56sVideo has Closed Captions
In honor of Edgar Allan Poe's birthday, learn about his ties to the Palmetto State!
American author Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. Poe solidified his legacy as master of the gothic and macabre with his poems and short stories. Before Poe established his career as a writer, he served in the U.S. Army. His time at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island inspired him to base his short story "The Gold Bug" there!
History in a Nutshell is a local public television program presented by SCETV

Edgar Allan Poe's Ties to South Carolina
Special | 56sVideo has Closed Captions
American author Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. Poe solidified his legacy as master of the gothic and macabre with his poems and short stories. Before Poe established his career as a writer, he served in the U.S. Army. His time at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island inspired him to base his short story "The Gold Bug" there!
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipAmerican author Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19th, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts.
Poe solidified his legacy as master of the gothic and macabre with his poems and short stories.
Some of Poe's most well-known works include The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Fall of the House of Usher, Annabel Lee, The Gold Bug, and more.
Speaking of The Gold Bug, did you know that Edgar Allan Poe served in the U.S. Army, and was stationed at Fort Moultrie in Charleston, South Carolina?
Poe enlisted under the name "Edgar A. Perry" and served at Fort Moultrie for two years, attaining the rank of Sergeant Major for Artillery.
It was during his time at Fort Moultrie where Poe began devising the plot for The Gold Bug.
Sullivan's Island inspired Poe to use the location as the setting for that short story.
This is why Edgar Allan Poe imagery can be found throughout Charleston.
History in a Nutshell is a local public television program presented by SCETV