 It was established in 1832 by Charles Cloud and Lambert Wilmer, a friend of Poe.Popular at first, the "Visiter" later became abolitionist and in 1847 was absorbed by the abolitionist "National Era" of Washington D.C.

Poe submitted to the "Visiter" six tales as entries to a contest sponsored by the publication.The newspaper promised a $50 prize for the best tale and a $25 prize for the best poem submitted by October 1, 1833.