THE HORSE YOU
CAME IN ON SALOON

THE CASE

The Horse You Came In On Saloon in Baltimore’s Fell’s Point dates its tavern history to 1775, making it one of the city’s oldest drinking establishments. The building served generations of sailors and waterfront workers, and the present-day saloon took its name in 1972, when owner Howard Gerber reportedly celebrated his purchase by having a friend ride a horse into the bar.

Its most famous—and disputed—piece of history involves Edgar Allan Poe. Local legend holds that the saloon was Poe’s last drinking stop before his mysterious illness and death in October 1849, although there is no solid historical evidence proving it was actually his final stop.

Employees and visitors have reported cash registers opening on their own, doors or objects moving inexplicably, unexplained cold drafts, and sightings of a figure believed to be Poe. Some bartenders have even reportedly left a glass of whiskey for “Edgar” after closing. For the record: these are reported experiences and local legends, not verified evidence of a haunting.

The “investigation” as it were had to be performed during business hours. While a camera and recorder were placed on the second floor, all audio had to be disregarded as contamination was an obvious problem.