Eastern State Penitentiary is one of the largest and most famous prisons in the world. Opened in 1829, it quickly became the model for prisons of its time. Eastern State was built on more than steel and stone. It was built on principle. The prison conducted itself on the principle that given the right “motivation,” a criminal would see the errors of his ways and repent. The criminal would be penitent. This brought on the birth of the word “penitentiary.”
Although based in righteous methods and good intentions, ill will found its way into Eastern State Penitentiary. A commonly used device in containment, the strait jacket, was used quite frequently, although not always with its intended purpose.
Inmates would be bound tighter than was needed, and soon their body would become numb. Inmates were kept in this state until they passed out. Another feared method was known as the “iron gag.” This device was attached to the inmate’s tongue while his hands were folded behind his head. The restraint was then tied behind the man’s neck. Any movement of the arms would strain on the tongue, causing severe agony.
Though Eastern State housed thousand of prisoners over the years, none is more famous than Al Capone. Capone served eight months in Eastern State for a concealed weapons charge with his bodyguard, Frankie Rio. Capone, responsible for the famous Saint Valentine’s Day massacre, reportedly began being harassed by a supernatural being named “Jimmy.” Capone later revealed that “Jimmy” was James Clark, one of the victims of the infamous massacre. Prisoners reported hearing Capone’s screams, apparently begging to be left alone. This activity allegedly continued even after Capone was released and followed him until his death.
But Capone is not the only one to report ghostly activity behind Eastern State Penitentiary’s walls. Although it is no longer an active prison, Eastern State is still used as a tourist attraction, and the experiences continue to this day. Cell Block 12 is reported to be one of the most haunted sections of the prison. Some visitors have reported the sound of laughter as well as the appearance of a shadowy figure roaming the upstairs hallways. On a recent investigation, I myself encountered a strange mist coming from Cell Block 12. Even an experienced investigator such as myself was prone to goosebumps in the dark, murky corridors of Eastern State Penitentiary.
Written by — Tom Iacuzio Founder, Central Florida Ghost Research Washington, D.C.
EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY
HISTORIC SITE OFFICES
2124 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19130
TEL: 1 (215) 236-5111
WEBSITE: www.easternstate.org
SEE ALSO:
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Haunted Places -Ghostly Locales from around the World – Compiled & Edited by Jeff Belanger – Copyright 2005 by Jeff Belanger