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The Horse You Came In On Saloon

The Horse You Came In On Saloon paranormal

Photo by: Marianne Donley
Location submitted by: sdonley on 07/03/2025
DBA Approved: Y


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1626 Thames St
Baltimore, MD 21231
Open to the public: Yes

Lat: 39.281618
Lon: -76.594136

PANICd#: 2186

Publication date: 07/23/2025

Visited by PANICd

Last visited: 06/22/2025

The tavern located in the historic Fells Point neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland, is one of the city's oldest and most iconic taverns

Database Summary:

Demographic Rank: 0
History: 1
Stories: 1
Claims: 12
Evidence: 0
Resources: 3
Retrievals: 822
Vistor Rating: 0.0
Votes: 0

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History

History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.


The Horse You Came In On Saloon, located in the historic Fells Point neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland, is one of the city's oldest and most iconic taverns. Established in 1775, the saloon has been serving patrons for nearly two and a half centuries. Its longevity and continuous operation through some of the nation’s most significant historical events have made it a cherished fixture in Baltimore’s cultural landscape. Originally a watering hole for dockworkers and sailors in the bustling port town, the saloon has seen the evolution of the city from colonial days to the modern era.

Fells Point itself was a hub of maritime activity during the 18th and 19th centuries, and the saloon’s location made it a popular gathering place for seafarers, traders, and local residents. The building that houses The Horse You Rode In On has witnessed the days of clipper ships, the chaos of the War of 1812, and the growth of Baltimore as an industrial and shipping center. Its walls have likely absorbed countless stories from those who passed through during times of peace and conflict alike.

The saloon’s name is a playful nod to both Western themes and rebellious humor, but the establishment’s roots are firmly planted in East Coast history. Over the centuries, the building has undergone various changes in ownership and structure, yet it has retained its colonial charm with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and a well-worn bar that echoes with the past. It is one of the few surviving taverns from the 1700s still in operation in the United States.

One of the most persistent legends associated with The Horse You Rode In On involves the famed poet and writer Edgar Allan Poe. According to local lore, Poe stopped at the saloon for a drink shortly before his mysterious death in 1849. Though historical verification is difficult, the story has become an enduring part of the bar’s identity, and Poe’s presence is felt throughout the establishment, with themed décor and tributes to his legacy.

Today, The Horse You Rode In On continues to draw locals and tourists alike with its mix of live music, strong drinks, and historical ambiance. It stands not only as a popular nightlife spot but also as a living monument to Baltimore’s rich and layered past. Whether visitors come for the entertainment or the lore, they step into a place that has been part of the city’s story for more than two centuries.

Added by: sdonley on 07/23/2025 DB#:783
Source(s):
Various


Stories & Folklore

Stories & Folklore are just that. Stories and personal accounts that have been reported about the location and passed down from generation to generation. This section could also contain research notes as well.


The Horse You Came In On Saloon in Fells Point is not only known for its long history and lively atmosphere but also for its reputation as one of Baltimore’s most haunted establishments. With a structure dating back to the 18th century and ties to tragic events from the past, it’s no surprise that stories of ghostly encounters have endured through the years. The most famous of these tales centers around the spirit of Edgar Allan Poe, who is said to have visited the saloon just before his mysterious death.

Many staff members and patrons have reported unusual activity within the saloon, especially during the quieter hours when the crowds have gone. Glasses are known to shatter or fly off shelves without warning, and lights flicker on and off with no electrical explanation. Bartenders often speak of hearing footsteps behind them when no one is there or catching a glimpse of a figure in period clothing that vanishes the moment they turn to look.

A prominent hotspot for paranormal activity is near the front bar, where visitors have described sudden cold drafts and the sensation of being watched. Some have even claimed to feel a gentle tug on their clothing as if an unseen presence is trying to get their attention. There are stories of disembodied voices calling out names and of phantom laughter echoing from the corners of the room when it is otherwise silent.

The saloon’s connection to Edgar Allan Poe has given rise to claims that his restless spirit still lingers here. On certain nights, witnesses say a man in a long coat and wide-brimmed hat can be seen seated at the bar or wandering toward the door before fading into thin air. Given the proximity of the saloon to Poe’s final known whereabouts, many believe that his ghost returns to one of his last drinking spots, forever linked to the place by the mysterious nature of his death.

The Horse You Came In On embraces its haunted reputation, often welcoming ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts who hope to experience the unexplainable. Whether one believes in spirits or not, the countless eerie tales and firsthand accounts contribute to the saloon’s mystique. As one of the oldest bars in the country, it stands as both a piece of living history and a place where the past may not be entirely at rest.

Added by: sdonley on 07/23/2025 DB#: 1744
Source(s): Various


Paranormal Claims

Here are the paranormal claims for this location. These have been found through Internet research, reports from members, or reports from personal interviews. To add a claim, please contact PANICd.com, and we will review and add your information.


Claim # Added Added By Claim
4035 07/23/2025 sdonley Glasses have been seen flying off shelves on their own.
4036 07/23/2025 sdonley Stools have been pulled away from patrons.
4037 07/23/2025 sdonley Lights flicker without electrical cause.
4038 07/23/2025 sdonley Footsteps are heard when no one is around.
4039 07/23/2025 sdonley A figure in period clothing appears and vanishes.
4040 07/23/2025 sdonley Cold drafts are felt near the front bar.
4041 07/23/2025 sdonley People feel they are being watched.
4042 07/23/2025 sdonley Clothing is tugged by unseen hands.
4043 07/23/2025 sdonley Disembodied voices call out names.
4044 07/23/2025 sdonley Phantom laughter echoes in empty rooms.
4045 07/23/2025 sdonley A man resembling Edgar Allan Poe is seen at the bar.
4046 07/23/2025 sdonley Poe’s spirit is believed to walk toward the exit and disappear.

Additional Resources

This is a collection of Internet resources for this location. This section will house links to other websites that contain information related to history, claims, investigations, or even the location's website.


The Horse You Came In On Saloon - Tour Baltimore Ghosts
Added: 07/23/2025 By: sdonley
Information about the paranormal.
The Horse You Came In On Saloon - US Ghost Adventures
Added: 07/23/2025 By: sdonley
Information about the paranormal.
Paranormal experiences reported at 'The Horse You Came In On'
Added: 07/23/2025 By: sdonley
"I walked by the bar and a glass is just sitting on the bar, and it just shatters out of nowhere."

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