Eastern State Penitentiary, Halloween in Philadelphia, Fairmount Philadelphia, Philadelphia Historic Landmarks, Terror Behind the Walls

Halloween in Philadelphia – Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary

The Eastern State Penitentiary, which is in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, was considered to be the world’s first true penitentiary. The prison is currently a U.S. National Historic Landmark, which is more known during the Halloween season for it’s creepy and ghostly tours.

History

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. The warden was legally required to visit each prisoner every day.

Some of America’s most notorious criminals were held in Eastern State Penitentiary, including bank robber Willie Sutton and Chicago mob boss Al “Scareface” Capone. The prison later closed in 1971 and is now a museum and a historical site.

Eastern State’s Timeline of events

Notable Inmates

Terror Behind the Walls

Terror Behind the Walls is an annual Halloween Haunted House event in Philadelphia that is held at Eastern State Penitentiary. There has been actual ghost sightings at the prison throughout the years. It’s been said that the ghostly activities have increased over the years. During this special tour, you’ll hear true tales of prison murder and violence. This tour is on certain days and during specific hours. ~ Terror Behind the Walls hours of operation & tickets ~

Experiences & Events at Eastern State Penitentiary

20th Anniversary of Eastern State Penitentiary – An encore performance of Terror Behind the Walls on November 12th with hundreds of haunted house owners and operators from all around the world. This is a special event and tickets must be purchased in advanced.

After Dark VIP Tour – This is an hour long tour with a flashlight, which highlights the cell-blocks, death row, Al Capone’s cell, and much more.

Fright and a Bite dinner packages – This is a combination of dining at a local restaurant in the Fairmount area and attending the Terror Behind the Walls. Each restaurant will have a selection of meals at a discount which will include your ticket to this event. The tickets will be brought with your desert and this allows you to skip the line with a “quick pass”.

The Tower Cam – You can now get a true perspective of what the guards saw back in the day.

The extended history and experience of Eastern State Penitentiary from MyPhillyAlive.com – Eastern State Penitentiary

Location and Hours of Operation of Prison

22nd & Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 236-3300

Eastern State is opened 10 am to 5 pm every day, 12 months a year. ( closed on – Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) – Directions & Hours of Operation & Ticket Prices