Eastern State Penitentiary Tour

Introduction to Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a former American prison that operated from 1790 to 1971. It is considered one of the most historic and influential prisons in the United States. The prison was designed to be a place where inmates could reflect on their crimes and seek redemption, and its unique architecture and solitary confinement system were intended to promote this goal. Today, Eastern State Penitentiary is a popular tourist destination and a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in history, architecture, and the criminal justice system.

History of Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary was built in 1790 and was designed by architects John Haviland and Robert Mills. The prison was intended to be a more humane alternative to the traditional prisons of the time, which were often overcrowded and unsanitary. The prison’s unique design featured individual cells, each with its own exercise yard, and a system of solitary confinement that was intended to promote reflection and rehabilitation. Over the years, Eastern State Penitentiary held many famous inmates, including Al Capone and Willie Sutton. The prison was also the site of several notable events, including a mass escape in 1945 and a prison riot in 1961.

Touring Eastern State Penitentiary

Visitors to Eastern State Penitentiary can take a guided tour of the prison, which includes the cellblocks, the exercise yards, and the prison’s solitary confinement cells. The tour also includes a visit to the prison’s museum, which features exhibits on the history of the prison and its inmates. One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to see the cell where Al Capone was held, which has been restored to its original condition. Visitors can also explore the prison’s exercise yards, which offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the inmates.

🚨 Note: Visitors to Eastern State Penitentiary should be aware that the prison is a historic site and that some areas may be restricted due to safety concerns or ongoing restoration work.

Special Events and Exhibits

Eastern State Penitentiary offers a variety of special events and exhibits throughout the year, including ghost tours, re-enactments, and exhibits on the history of the prison and its inmates. One of the most popular events is the Terror Behind the Walls haunted house, which takes place in the fall. The prison also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops for schools and community groups.

Event	Description	Date
Terror Behind the Walls	A haunted house event that takes place in the fall	September - November
Ghost Tours	A guided tour of the prison that focuses on its paranormal history	Year-round
Re-enactments	Historical re-enactments of events that took place at the prison	Summer months

Preservation and Restoration Efforts

Eastern State Penitentiary is a historic site and a national landmark, and as such, it is protected by law. The prison is currently undergoing a major restoration project, which aims to preserve the prison’s historic architecture and restore its original appearance. The project includes the restoration of the prison’s cellblocks, exercise yards, and museum, as well as the repair of the prison’s infrastructure and utilities.

In summary, Eastern State Penitentiary is a fascinating and historic site that offers a unique glimpse into the past. With its guided tours, special events, and exhibits, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or the criminal justice system, Eastern State Penitentiary is a must-visit destination.