In Fordham, New York, in 1847 , two notable things stand out: Edgar Allan Poe was living there , and Virginia Poe died in January 1847 while the couple was in the village. Fordham was also the setting for early Fordham University history, including the first burial in the college cemetery on July 11, 1847.

Quick Scoop

Fordham in 1847 was still a rural village, not yet part of New York City in the modern sense. It had both literary and institutional significance that year because Poe was there, and the Jesuit college history was developing around what became Fordham University.

What stands out

  • Edgar Allan Poe arrived in Fordham in 1847-era history and had a friendship with the college Jesuits.
  • Virginia Poe died in January 1847 in Fordham.
  • The first burial in the old Fordham cemetery took place on July 11, 1847 for Joseph Creeden, a Jesuit novice.

Context

Fordham was still a quiet village with deep colonial roots, later becoming part of the Bronx. In 1847, it was linked to the nearby city by rail and was already becoming known for its Jesuit educational presence.

If you want, I can also give you a one-paragraph history of Fordham in the 1840s or focus specifically on Poe in Fordham.