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21 Pictures that Prove that Eastern State Penitentiary is the Creepiest Place in Philadelphia

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 There’s no question that Eastern State Penitentiary is the creepiest place in Philadelphia. While there are other creepy spots (most notably the Mütter Museum and Fort Mifflin), nowhere comes close to the creepiness of this former prison.

Opened in 1829 and not closed until 1971, this prison housed 75,000 inmates during its nearly 150 years of operation.

After it was closed, it was reclaimed by nature until it was finally reopened for public tours in 1994. While tourists now fill its halls, the echoes of the criminals that spent their lives here still reverberate through the walls, and there are many that say some of them never left.

As it’s been said before, if ghosts exist, it must be at Eastern State Penitentiary.

Read about the prison’s history here, and then scroll down to see 21 pictures that prove Eastern State Penitentiary is the creepiest place in Philadelphia.

(You can also plan a trip to see the abandoned Cresson State Prison near Altoona!)

(Check out even more abandoned places in Pennsylvania you can visit legally)

Photos of Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA
Eastern State Penitentiary opened in 1829.
Creepiest places in Pennsylvania: Eastern State Penitentiary
It was the world’s first penitentiary and was designed to inspire penitence in the inmates.
Creepiest places in Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary
Inmates were kept in solitary confinement at all times.
Eastern State Penitentiary Photos
Eventually, overcrowding forced an end to the controversial “Pennsylvania System.”
 
Creepiest places in Pennsylvania: Eastern State Penitentiary
Approximately 75,000 prisoners were held at Eastern State Penitentiary over the years. According to many, some never left.
Creepiest places in Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary
The most famous inmate was Al Capone, who had a very lavish cell.
Creepiest places in Pennsylvania: Eastern State Penitentiary
Prisoners held here committed crimes ranging from shoplifting to murder.
Photos of Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA
The worst were kept in solitary confinement in cells directly below Death Row.
 
Eastern State Penitentiary Photos
Eastern State Penitentiary had one of the most advanced medical units of any prison in the country.
Eastern State Penitentiary Photos
Prisoners would get transferred from all over the state to be treated here.
Eastern State Penitentiary Photos
There was even a state of the art surgery room that performed everything from major procedures to plastic surgery.
Inside Eastern State Penitentiary in Philly
Of course, there also was treatment for mental health problems.
 
Creepiest places in Pennsylvania: Eastern State Penitentiary
The prison was open until 1971.
Photos of Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA
After being abandoned for many years, the prison was open to the public in 1994.
Photos of Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA
Today, visitors can stroll the grounds of this former prison.
Inside Eastern State Penitentiary in Philly
The prison is still in a state of disrepair with peeling paint and some cells are still filled with rubble.
 
Inside Eastern State Penitentiary in Philly
On the other hand, some cells have been cleaned out and give a good look at prison life.
Photos of Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA
Visitors can take guided tours or self-guided audio tours through the prison.
Creepiest places in Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary
Tours take you down hallways that once housed prisoners.
 
Creepiest places in Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary
The former barber shop is a must-see during any visit to Eastern State.
Inside Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary
However, unlike the prisoners that used to reside here, visitors can leave and head home after a few hours.

If you want more information, check out our full article on Eastern State Penitentiary.


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