Eastern state penitentiary (Pennsylvania)

mysterious world
Jun 4, 2022
2 min read

The eastern state penitentiary, also known as ESP is a former American prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The prison opened in 1825 and became the first in the U.S. to implement solitary confinement, a hotly debated practise during that time. Prisoners lived in gloomy rooms with virtually no human contact, hoods placed over their heads anytime they were moved.

The system was opposed by the people as they preferred a system where prisoners could work together in silence. The solitary confinement system eventually collapsed due to overcrowding. It was then operated as a congregate prison till 1970 when it was officially closed. In the 19th century the prison became one of the largest tourist destinations where the visitors could talk to inmates so that they do not feel isolated. It is believed that due to isolation the prisoners were driven insane. The punishments used were also very harsh. The prisoners were dipped and dunked in water bath and hung on a wall during winters till the ice formed on their skin. The mad chair, which bound the inmates so tightly that circulation was cut off and then there was the ” Hole ” a dark underground where there was no light, no human contact, no exercise and very little food.

The prison is considered to be one the most haunted places. Dozens of paranormal investigators visit every year and report multifarious paranormal activity. The places with most activity include cellblock 12 known for echoing whispers, cellblock 6 and 4 for shadowy figures darting of the walls and ghostly faces. Many people have claimed of seeing a silhouette of a guard. One of the most legendary tales comes from Gary Johnson, who helps maintain the crumbling old locks at the prison. In the early 1990s, he opened an old lock in cellblock 4 when a force gripped him so tightly he was unable to move and he saw tormented faces appear on the walls. The prison is now being run as a museum and haunted attraction. These stories may or may not be true but the chilling past of the prison, inhumane attitude toward the prisoners and the sinister atmosphere do make a solid case.