Visit one of America's most haunted cemeteries

September 29, 6:19 PMGhost Hunting ExaminerPatricia Marin

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One of Westminster's most famous residents

Considered the third most haunted cemetery in America, Baltimore's Westminster Hall Burying Grounds/Catacombs is a favorite Halloween destination. You may choose to take either the public tour or a special tour for paranormal investigators. The paranormal tour is open to a maximum of 10 people and is set up to allow more privacy for intensive evidence collection, including photographs, video, and EVPs. EVP stands for electronic voice phenomena. The theory is that spirits can communicate via electronic devices and can be heard when the recording is reviewed later, even though investigators hear nothing at the time with their physical ears. Many investigators have reported photographic anomolies and even some EVPs from this site. I'll be reporting on our experiences here following our October 26th investigation.

Located at the corner of Greene and Fayette Streets in downtown Baltimore, the Westminster Burying Ground is one of Baltimore’s oldest cemeteries, an amazing survivor of the old city in the midst of the new. Most famous as the burial place of Edgar Allan Poe, the cemetery also contains the tombs of many prominent political and military figures in Maryland’s early history. The extraordinary construction of the church on arches above the tombs, creating the remarkable "catacombs" below the building, makes it a unique architectural landmark as well.

The church’s congregation disbanded in 1977 and the Westminster Preservation Trust, Inc. was established. The building and grounds are now in the care of the Westminster Preservation Trust, Inc., a non-profit organization that raises funds by renting the Hall for special events, providing guided tours of the grounds and catacombs, and through the generous donations given by visitors and people in the community.

One of the strangest tales from Westminster is that of The Poe Toaster. Since 1949, on the night of the anniversary of Poe's death (October 7th, 1849 at the age of 40 of unknown causes), a mysterious stranger has entered this cemetery and left as a tribute a bottle of cognac and three roses on Poe's grave. The identity of the stranger, referred to as The Poe Toaster, is still a mystery. The significance of cognac is also a mystery; a cask of amontillado, for example, would make more sense. Is amontillado easily obtained? I know it's a type of Spanish sherry, but am not sure how common it is. The reason behind the three roses is probably a tribute to the three people whose remains are buried together underneath the monument; Poe, his mother-in-law Maria Clemm, and his beloved cousin and wife Virginia. Out of respect, no one ever bothers The Poe Toaster. Several of the bottles of cognac from previous years are on display in the Baltimore Poe House and Museum.

The Burying Ground is normally open to the public daily 8:00am until dusk and is free of charge. The catacombs are only available to see by reservation and with a guide. Guided tours last approximately 1 – 1 ½ hours and include the Burying Ground, Catacombs, and a 15 minute movie discussing the history of Baltimore as it relates to Westminster Burying Ground and the people who are buried here. Tour reservations are required and a total of 15 people must be signed up in order to run a tour. Private tours can be scheduled at other times, for groups of 15 or more people or by paying the minimum amount. Prices vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Contact Westminster Hall for details.