Walt Whitman House
The Only Home Ever Owned by America’s Most Celebrated Poet — National Historic Landmark, Walt Whitman’s Final Residence 1884–1892, Original Manuscripts and Personal Artifacts, Where “Leaves of Grass” Final Edition Was Completed, New Jersey State Historic Site, 330 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Camden New Jersey
The Walt Whitman House is a National Historic Landmark and New Jersey State Historic Site at 330 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (formerly Mickle Street), Camden, New Jersey. The site features the only home ever owned by Walt Whitman (1819–1892), where the poet lived from 1884 until his death on March 26, 1892, original manuscripts, letters, and personal artifacts from Whitman’s life and literary career, the room where Whitman completed the final “deathbed” edition of Leaves of Grass in 1891, period furnishings and a restored interior reflecting Whitman’s final years, guided tours operated by the NJ Division of Parks and Forestry with assistance from the Walt Whitman Association, and a new visitor center currently under construction (expected completion fall 2026).
Walt Whitman — America’s most influential poet and author of “Leaves of Grass” — bought this modest row house on Mickle Street in 1884 with royalties from his poetry. It was the only home he ever owned, and he lived here for the last eight years of his life.
In this house, Whitman completed the final “deathbed” edition of Leaves of Grass (1891–92), received visitors including Oscar Wilde, and was tended by his devoted companion Horace Traubel, who meticulously documented their conversations.
What to See
- Whitman’s bedroom — where he wrote the final Leaves of Grass
- Original manuscripts — letters, photographs, personal items
- Period furnishings — restored 1880s interior
- Guided tours — docent-led by Walt Whitman Association
- New visitor center — under construction, opening fall 2026
Site Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 330 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Camden, NJ 08103 |
| Type | State Historic Site / National Historic Landmark |
| Resident | Walt Whitman (1884–1892) |
| Significance | Only home Whitman ever owned |
| Key Work | Final “deathbed” edition of Leaves of Grass (1891–92) |
| Current Status | ⚠️ Closed for renovation — reopening fall 2026 |
| Managed By | NJ Division of Parks and Forestry + Walt Whitman Association |
| Coordinates | 39.9413° N, 75.1174° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Walt Whitman’s house in Camden, New Jersey?
The Walt Whitman House at 330 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Camden, New Jersey is a National Historic Landmark and New Jersey State Historic Site — the only home the poet ever owned. Whitman lived here from 1884 until his death in 1892, completing the final “deathbed” edition of Leaves of Grass. The museum displays original manuscripts, personal artifacts, and period furnishings. Note: The house is currently closed for major renovations including a new visitor center, with reopening expected fall 2026. Check thewaltwhitmanassociation.org for current status.
Last updated: May 2026
