Reasons to Visit The Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary is a National Historic Landmark and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970. It was a reformatory prison built in 1829. It is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and operated until 1971. Eastern State Penitentiary is now an abandoned building which has become the subject of interest for historians, tourists, and photographers alike. Here’s why it’s worth visiting this historic site to learn about its significance as well as get some great photos.

First prison to use solitary confinement 

Eastern State Penitentiary is a historic site in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1829 and was the first prison to use solitary confinement as a form of punishment. It is also one of America’s most notorious prisons, with many famous inmates who have resided there. There are two tours available for visitors: the Cell Block Tour which includes exploring some of the most notorious cells such as Al Capone’s cell, A-Block Death Row, and Holmesburg’s Death Row; or you can take the Self-Guided Cell Block Tour that takes about an hour to complete.

One of America’s most haunted places

Eastern State was the first penitentiary in the United States and had an enormous impact on future prisons worldwide. Today, it’s one of America’s most haunted places with over 200 recorded paranormal events. Visitors can explore all nine cell blocks that still stand today while listening to audio guides narrated by actual former inmates who served time at Eastern State during its heyday from 1829-1971.Tourists are able to walk through different parts of the prison that were never open before and explore rooms that would have never been seen by inmates back when it operated.

Served as a model for prisons around the world

If you’re looking for a way to spend your day off, or want to do something different with friends, Eastern State Penitentiary is an amazing place. The penitentiary was one of the first of its kind in the United States and served as a model for prisons around the world. Eastern State’s claim to fame comes from its revolutionary system of solitary confinement that would later be called “the Pennsylvania System.” This new form of imprisonment quickly became popular across Europe and America because it reduced crime.

Why is this a top sight in Philadelphia?

The Eastern State Penitentiary is a historic prison that was built in 1829. The facility was once considered to be the most advanced prison of its time and was designed with three aims: security, solitary confinement, and repentance. These were not always accomplished successfully due to overcrowding, corruption among guards, and inadequate living conditions for prisoners. Tourists can still see the original cell blocks where prisoners lived out their sentences in solitude on two-foot by seven-foot cells. 

Tour guide about the Barnes Foundation. 

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