Eastern State Penitentiary was added to Your Favorites!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Claim this place to tell your story your way.
When it opened in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiary was the most expensive public structure ever built in the U.S., costing $780,000.
The penitentiary introduced the 'Pennsylvania System,' which emphasized solitary confinement as a form of rehabilitation.
The infamous gangster served time here in 1929, and his cell was reportedly furnished with luxury items.
The prison's Gothic architecture was intended to intimidate and deter potential criminals.
Eastern State Penitentiary was equipped with these modern amenities when it opened, showcasing its advanced design.
The penitentiary housed inmates from 1829 until it closed in 1971.
Today, Eastern State Penitentiary offers tours and exhibits, educating visitors about its history and impact on the prison system.
Its radial floor plan became a model for over 300 prisons globally.
