What was the name of the first magazine Poe worked for as an editor?

The first magazine Poe worked for as an editor was the Southern Literary Messenger. Based in Richmond, Virginia, the periodical hired Poe in 1835 after John P. Kennedy helped introduce him to its publisher, Thomas Willis White.

Poe initially worked as a staff writer and critic. White briefly dismissed him, reportedly because of concerns about his drinking, but rehired him after Poe promised to improve his conduct. By December 1835, Poe had become the magazine’s editor, giving him an important early platform for his criticism, fiction, and poetry.

During his tenure, he published reviews and helped shape the Messenger’s literary identity. His work contributed to a major increase in circulation, and the magazine printed early appearances of pieces such as “Berenice,” “Morella,” and portions of The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket.

The Broadway Journal and Graham’s Magazine were also important in Poe’s career, but they came later. The Stylus was a planned magazine Poe hoped to establish himself; it never began publication.