Profile of the Day: Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson

“Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.”

Poet Emily Dickinson died on this day in 1886 in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Although her family were prominent members of the community, Dickinson lived much of her life as a recluse at the family homestead built by her paternal grandfather, Samuel Fowler Dickinson, in Amherst. Her grandfather was a prominent lawyer and helped establish the foundations for Amherst College. Her father, Edward, was an active politician and served as the treasurer of Amherst College for nearly forty years.

As Dickinson grew older, she began to isolate herself in her home. She rarely met with people in person and most of her friendships were carried through letters. During her time in seclusion, Dickinson wrote nearly 1,800 poems. However, it wasn’t until after her death at the age of 55 that the majority of Dickinson’s poetry was published.

Today, she is considered one of the most important poets in American history.

Explore Emily Dickinson’s family tree on Geni and discover how you’re related to the poet.

View Emily Dickinson’s Geni Profile

 
Image: Wikimedia Commons