Built in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiary is a former prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It’s known for being the very first prison of its kind to introduce solitary confinement, or what they used to call, the Pennsylvania System. Prisoners were sent to solitary during this time as a form of rehabilitation. They would be completely isolated, living alone, eating alone, and even exercising alone in their own individual yards. Whenever an inmate left his cell, a black hood would be placed over his head to assure he remained in confinement. Due to Eastern States’ harsh approach, many prisoners were drove to insanity, and as a result the Pennsylvania System was scrapped in 1913. From then until 1970 it was used as a regular prison, and held the likes of Al Capone and the bank robber, Willie Sutton.
There have been numerous reports of paranormal activity experienced in Eastern State Penitentiary. Visitors, staff, guards, and inmates have reported eerie experiences since the 1940s, corroborating each other’s stories. Since the prison was abandoned in 1971, reports of paranormal experiences have seemingly increased.
The prison has been studied exhaustively for paranormal activity, and has been featured on several TV shows, including Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters, and Most Haunted Live.
Reported paranormal activity includes:
Sounds of footsteps down the long corridors and anguished wails coming from inside some of the cells.
Shadows moving against the walls in Cellblock 6.
Faces seen inside the cells in Cellblock 4.
Disembodied laughter heard in Cellblock 12.
The apparition of a man walking through Cell Block 12.
A shadowy form that stands perfectly still, sometimes completely unnoticed, until approached at which point he dashes away.
Objects moving on their own.
Communication with multiple spirits.
