There are many harrowing Halloween attractions to take in throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. From spooky fun setups to tours of reputedly real-life haunted locations, there’s no shortage of great attractions to get the most out of whatever frightful fill you’re seeking. There is one particularly unique suggestion to consider in Francisville, Pennsylvania, right in the heart of Greater Philly. Moreover, it meets the requirements in all of the above categories and exceeds them as well, especially in the esteem of adamant history buffs, who foster more of a sans woo-woo interest in local studies. I am referring to none other than the famously infamous Eastern State Penitentiary.
The spine-tingling history behind the Eastern State Penitentiary is certainly one for the books. Between the conceptual reasoning behind its very construction and the controversial practices that were carried out here, the horrors that inmates were subjected to within these walls leave many lingering memories alone, all of which can be considered viable hauntings in their own right. Yet there are still others who attest to more classical accounts for haunted happenings taking place here as well. Whatever the truth, it can’t be denied that the Eastern State Penitentiary boasts a bountiful history worth exploring. That’s why for this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m delivering an overview of the harrowing history behind Pennsylvania’s notorious Eastern State Penitentiary.
Reasoning and Construction
The concept behind what would go on to be the Eastern State Penitentiary was first proposed in 1787, at a meeting in the home of Benjamin Franklin, no less. Groundbreaking on the lofty project, however, didn’t get underway until 1822. Renowned British architect John Haviland was at the forefront of its eventual construction, which at the time proved to be the largest and most expensive public structure in the nation.
The new prison was built on 10 acres of farmland known as Cherry Hill. That’s why “Cherry Hill State Prison” was the Eastern State Penitentiary’s original moniker when it opened in 1829. As for its architectural structuring, Haviland incorporated many revolutionary tactics of the day, keeping with the plans presented. As a result, the new building largely comprised single-story cell blocks, each containing two ranges of large single cells—8 × 12 feet × 10 feet. The reasoning was tied to the new, controversial methods to be implemented via this new experimental prison.
As it was, the penitentiary was intended to utilize a novel approach to criminal reform—that of rehabilitative incarceration and the notion of redeeming oneself through a mix of solitary confinement, quiet time, and hard work/forced labor. The latter was intended to teach inmates new skills and possibly trades in preparation for their release. But in the end, it turned into an excuse to subject them to harsher abuse and unchecked power scapegoating. Even writer Charles Dickens, upon visiting the Eastern State Penitentiary once, reported having witnessed what he considered some of the worst crimes against mankind. The isolation methods remained in place at the prison until the early 20th century, eventually being set aside when overcrowding became an issue.
Notable Inhabitants
The Eastern State Penitentiary remained in operation up until 1971. Throughout its tenure, they saw to well over 85,000 resident prisoners. Among the roster of notable names were some of history’s most renowned criminals, gangsters, and lawbreakers.
Al Capone was perhaps the most famous felon to be housed within these walls. In fact, this was the very first place he is reported to have done time at, spending seven months here between 1929 and 1930 after being found guilty of carrying and concealing a deadly weapon.
Willie Sutton was another recognizable name. Known as the gentleman thief, Sutton is famous for his Robin Hood nature of only robbing the rich and never having actually killed anyone. He served time in Eastern State Penitentiary in 1934 after the machine gun robbery of the Corn Exchange Bank. His sentence was initially meant to last between 25 and 50 years, but 11 years into his sentence, he escaped, along with 11 other convicts, through a dug tunnel. He was eventually recaptured.
There was also Leo Callahan, the one and only inmate to escape and not be recaptured. Not to be overlooked was Morris “The Rabbi” Bolber. Part of a murder-for-hire poison ring, Bolber was the cousin of the group’s leader, Paul Petrillo, and one of the group’s higher-ranking members. Sentenced to life imprisonment in 1939, it was because of him that the first synagogue within a prison system ever emerged.
Perhaps the most unique inmate ever was Pep “The Cat-Murdering Dog”. As the falsified story goes, Pep was the dog of the Governor of Pennsylvania, who in 1924 was sentenced to life in prison after killing a cat. He was even given his own inmate number and even had a mugshot taken. Of course, that wasn’t the real reason behind his incarceration. The truth was, Pep had been given to Eastern State as a lighthearted means of boosting morale and spirit among the inmates. The amusing reality of his sentence was that he chewed the Governor’s wife’s cushions.
Life After Prison
While its days as a working prison are long passed, the Eastern State Penitentiary has since been restored as an official historic site of notoriety. Visitors today can now enjoy a broad range of offered tours, programs, exhibits, and so much more. You get to choose your own pursuits, taking note that all of the following are included with any daytime admission:
An Audio Tour—Narrated by Steve Buscemi, the tour features the voices of people who lived and worked at Eastern State Penitentiary.
A Guide-Led Tour—Spanning 45 minutes, these tours are led by an Eastern State educator and tell of the penitentiary’s complex history, along with its ongoing relevance to contemporary social issues.
Mini Tours—A variety of short tours range from five to 20 minutes, focusing on special topics or onsite locations not otherwise accessible to the public.
Exhibits—Various exhibits are housed here on the penitentiary’s history.
Art Installations—There are 15 art installations currently on view at Eastern State Penitentiary.
Points of Interest—There are a number of special-interest features to see in person. Some of these include Al Capone’s restored cell, the Alfred W. Fleisher Memorial Synagogue, a historic baseball field, and much more.
So Then, Is It Haunted?
To reiterate the haunted aspect I first opened with, it’s worth disclosing that the Eastern State Penitentiary has a reputation as one of the most terrifying places to explore in the country. Given the gruesome nature of the brutality known within these walls, it only makes sense that negative energy thrives here.
Many visitors have notably reported hearing strange sounds, including detached screams. Shadows have been seen as well, and other paranormal events. Aside from being a historic site, the penitentiary is a magnet for ghost hunters, mediums, paranormal investigators, and self-proclaimed thrill-seekers from all around the world.
Halloween Happenings
Among the special attractions and featured seasonal events that now take place onsite here are special “Halloween Nights” engagements. Formerly operating as “Terror Behind the Walls,” this annual autumnal event is made possible by the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. (ESPHS), serving as both a fundraiser and a fun experience in one. The first in the series of these events took place on Halloween weekend back in 1991.
Things have only grown bigger and better in the following years. Current offerings now include five haunted house attractions, historic tours, themed bars and lounges, live performances, and more. Visit the website to discover more.
The Eastern State Penitentiary has a unique history and enduring legacy that cannot be denied. It’s certainly worth exploring, whatever your personal interest. Learn more by visiting their website at www.easternstate.org.