Eastern State Penitentiary: An Inside Look at America’s Most Famous Prison
Tucked away in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania lies a landmark of crime and punishment: Eastern State Penitentiary. Built in 1829, the prison housed some of the most notorious criminals of the 19th and 20th centuries, including bank robber Willie Sutton and Al Capone. Today, the abandoned prison is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a rare look inside a historic prison. Here is an inside look at Eastern State Penitentiary.
History of Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary was the first prison of its kind, as it employed a revolutionary new concept known as the Pennsylvania System. This system was created to promote criminal reform, as it separated prisoners into individual cells and enforced strict rules of silence, exercise, and prayer. The prison was the most expensive public structure ever built at the time and was designed to intimidate prisoners and discourage crime.
During its 142 years in operation, Eastern State Penitentiary housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including bank robber Willie Sutton and Al Capone. In addition, the prison hosted some of the most famous prison breaks in US history, including the “Great Escape” of 1945. After the last inmate was released in 1971, the prison became a tourist attraction and is now a National Historic Landmark.
Visiting Eastern State Penitentiary
Today, Eastern State Penitentiary is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a rare look inside a historic prison. The self-guided tours take you through the prison’s cell blocks and corridors, giving you a glimpse of what life was like for inmates. The audio tour provides detailed information about the prison’s history and notorious inmates.
In addition, Eastern State Penitentiary hosts a variety of special events, including the Terror Behind the Walls haunted house, which takes place during the Halloween season. The prison also hosts a variety of educational programs, including lectures, art exhibitions, and tours.
Architecture of Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary is a striking example of 19th-century architecture. The prison is designed in the form of a wagon wheel, with seven cell blocks radiating out from a central observatory. Each cell block contains hundreds of cells, each measuring 5 feet by 7 feet. The prison also features a Gothic-style central chapel, a large recreation yard, and a medical facility.
Conclusion
Eastern State Penitentiary is a landmark of crime and punishment in America. Built in 1829, the prison was the first of its kind, pioneering the Pennsylvania System of criminal reform. During its 142 years in operation, Eastern State Penitentiary housed some of the most notorious criminals in US history, including bank robber Willie Sutton and Al Capone. Today, the prison is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a rare look inside a historic prison.