Eastern State Penitentiary

An exploration of one of America's most notorious prisons with a close look at its history and the experiences of its residents   . . . 

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A Tale of Penitence and Punishment

After its opening in 1829, this behemoth of a prison became home to many unfortunate souls. Its fortress-like walls were constructed not only to prevent escape, but also to serve as a visual warning for those who may find themselves at risk of becoming residents. The original concept of this facility was rehabilitation by penitence over punishment, which represents the origin of the word penitentiary. 

The prison was officially closed in 1970 with just a brief temporary usage in 1971. Today this 11-acre facility is open for daily tours so you can explore the history and horrors that remain behind its imposing Gothic façade. 

Multiple cell blocks radiate from a central hub in what is sometimes described as a wagon wheel shape. This design allowed guards in the center a clear line of view down each corridor. Throughout these dank hallways you will find everything from an operating room to dentist and barber chairs. 

Solitude was the name of the game here in the earlier days, as prisoners originally had their own cell to avoid inmate interaction. Prisoners often went mad under these conditions, and you will even hear tales of severe psychological damage and even death due to other forms of torturous punishment. Overcrowding eventually disrupted this system of isolation causing prisoners to be paired up as cell mates. This led to many dangerous situations where riots and even the occasional murder would occur. 

​Upon examination, each room depicts the seemingly harsh living conditions that were once endured in this place. The truth is that these accommodations were actually cutting edge for their time. Most cells had flushing toilets, and hot water was accessible to the inmates. The pipes that line the walls would also offer a bit of heat in on otherwise bone chilling environment. 

Adding a touch of historical intrigue to a gloomy habitat, this place was once home to some high-profile residents such as the bank robber William Francis Sutton Jr. aka "Slick Willie", political murderer Joseph "Big Joe" Bruno, and Freda Frost who served 20 years for poisoning her husband. Also on the prison register was one dog, convicted of killing a cat.

​The most infamous of all to do time in Eastern State Penitentiary was crime boss Al Capone who was transferred to this facility in August of 1929. Here he would finish his one-year sentence before being released in March of 1930. As you can see in the photo below, Capone was allowed a tad bit of comfort during his stay in comparison to others.
​Perhaps crime really does pay after all. 

Capone's Cell

Due to its history of terror and torture, some claim this prison to be one of the most haunted locations in The United States. Many ghost hunting television shows have filmed here, and other paranormal researchers have flocked to this site in search of supernatural encounters of their own.

Daily tours are now conducted giving the visitor the option of guided or self-guided versions that include an audio device to provide a full description and history of each area. This excellent example of dark tourism attracts thousands of twisted souls per year. 

During the Halloween season, sections of the facility are converted into haunted house attractions
​   … for those who dare to partake. 
​

For more information visit
​ easternstate.org

If you would like to explore the grounds and history of yet another infamous establishment of punishment, check out my experience at
Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary