Once Confined Notorious Criminals in America

‘U.S. National Historic Landmark’

The Eastern State Penitentiary, once known as the most famous and expensive prison in the world, held some of the most notorious criminals in America. Eastern State was considered to be the world’s first true penitentiary and is located in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia.

History of Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary was built in 1829, becoming the most expensive public structure ever built and quickly becoming a model for 300 other prisons worldwide. This new prison system was more about keeping prisoners confined, separated in their own rooms. This experiment was to reform criminals through strict isolation. The warden was legally required to visit each prisoner every day.

Did you know that the 11-acre prison even had central heat, running water and flush toilets before the White House. Some of those most notorious criminals included bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton and Chicago mob boss Al “Scarface” Capone.

The prison later closed in 1971 and is now a museum and a historical site.

Eastern State Penitentiary Atmosphere & Experience

Eastern State Penitentiary was known for its grand architecture and strict discipline. This was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire true regret in the hearts of convicts. The Penitentiary was intended not simply to punish, but to move the criminal toward spiritual reflection and change.

The Klondike

What happened when prisoners broke the rules? At Eastern State, they got sent to the hole, or as they called it at the penitentiary, the “Klondike.” These dark, windowless cells under Cell-block 14 are available on the “Prison Inside a Prison” tour.

I have been to both Alcatraz and Eastern State Penitentiary. What is unique is that Alcatraz was built almost 100 years later after Eastern State, yet both had some similarities on how they housed prisoners. It just shows how far advanced Eastern State was.

The tours today include a look at life inside the prison’s historic cell blocks, Al Capone’s restored 19th-century cell, stories of inmate escapes, and critically acclaimed art installations.

Eastern State Penitentiary is currently a U.S. National Historic Landmark and is more known during Halloween in Philadelphia for it’s creepy and ghostly tours. You can experience the Terror Behind the Walls during the Halloween season.

For Your Information – Events in 2018

There are many events being held throughout 2018..

The Searchlight Series – Takes place the first Tuesday of each month. Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site partners with nationally recognized penologists and educators to present an ongoing discussion series about crime, justice, and the American prison system. ~ October Series ~ ~ November Series ~ ~ December Series ~