This month, fans across the globe celebrate the 217th birthday of Edgar Allan Poe. The poet and writer, born in Boston on January 19, 1809, is most commonly associated with Boston as well as Baltimore, Maryland, where he lived for the majority of his adult life. While previously only something of an urban legend, researchers in recent years have unearthed evidence providing greater authenticity to the story.
An article by James Van Bever, and published last year by The Westford Historical Society & Museum, details how while delivering lectures on poetry in Lowell, Poe met Westford native Nancy (Heywood) Richmond. It is unclear why Poe took to calling her ‘Annie’ but the name stuck. Years later, she would have her name legally changed to Annie; it is the name written on her gravestone, in Lowell Cemetery.
A different marker stone now commemorates the Graniteville Road residence where the Heywoods lived, and where Poe is believed to have stayed throughout the duration of his lectures. Poe even contemplated relocating to Westford, calling it a “paradise.”.
While some debate still surrounds whether or not their attachment was romantic in nature, Poe certainly harbored strong feelings. His 1849 poem ‘For Annie’ celebrated their relationship with the poet’s typical eloquence. In fact, Poe himself, in a letter sent to Mrs. Richmond, and accompanying the poem, dated March 23, 1849, went as far as to write:
“I think the lines ‘For Annie’ (those I now send) much the best I have ever written.”
In October 2023, the town unveiled another monument to Poe: A sculpture, crafted by artist and Westford Firefighter, David P. Christiana.
The piece features Poe’s autograph etched into the side of a stone bench, while on top rests a top hat and walking stick, both made of bronze. Across from the bench perches a bronze raven, a reference to the writer’s most well known poem. Those lucky enough to see the installation at night are treated to its most striking effect. A light shines on the raven sculpture and reflects a large silhouette onto the side of the building, bringing to life one of the poem’s final lines:
“And the lamp-light o’er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor”
Correction: An earlier version of this article appeared on January 16. This article has been updated to correct errors and add detail.
3 Responses
It would have been good to include the location of the Poe bench sculpture…
Edgar Allan Poe was on my must-read list when I was in college in China. It’s wonderful to learn about his connection to Westford, the place I now call home.
The Richmonds lived on Graniteville Road, not Granite Road. Please make the correction.