On this day in 1830, Emily Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts. Known for her prolific writing and life of isolation, Dickinson is a figure of mystery in the literary world and was relatively unknown during her lifetime. However, Dickinson, with her signature dashes and unexpected capitalization, soon became known as one of the seminal writers in American literature and, along with Walt Whitman, the founder of a uniquely American poetic voice.
The poet who could not stop for death, Dickinson continues to be one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, as her legacy still lives on today. As you celebrate Dickinson’s 184th birthday, read more about her life and revisit your favorite poems from the one and only Belle of Amherst.