Are These America's Most Haunted Prisons?

These seven prisons have made a name for themselves as being some of the most haunted places in America.

By: Maggie Miller

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There’s no denying that people experience some of the darkest points in their lives within prison walls. The amount of pain, trauma, and terror associated with these facilities makes them inevitable hotspots for supernatural activity. These seven in particular have made a name for themselves as being some of the most haunted prisons in America.

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia PA

A structure renowned for its modern architecture and radical philosophy proved to be a hellscape for those confined within its walls. When it opened in 1829, Eastern State was intended to set the standard for penal reform. A Quaker-informed belief in the healing benefit of solitude meant prisoners were kept from interacting with each other, essentially consigning them to a prolonged solitary confinement. With a ban on talking for both guards and inmates, and extreme measures enacted to muffle any and all noise, silence reigned supreme. Among the brutal punishments enacted were a water bath (in winter ice would form on victims skins), a “mad” chair that cut off circulation to extremities, and a basement cell, “the hole”, which offered no light, exercise, or toilet to the unlucky inmates sent there. Visitors, staff, guards, and inmates have all reported paranormal experiences, including shadow figures, wails, cackling, and faces appearing on cell walls.

Watch the Portals to Hell episode 'Eastern State Penitentiary' on discovery+.

Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield, OH

This imposing castle-like structure was originally intended to be a reformatory for young inmates who had only committed “minor” crimes” but were too old for juvenile. Unfortunately, funding for the reform model eventually dried up, leading to the incarceration of much more violent offenders at the site. By the 1980’s overcrowding had caused the living conditions to decline dramatically, so much so that inmates were able to win a class action suit against the prison, leading to its closure in 1990. The grounds were subsequently used for several blockbuster films, including The Shawshank Redemption, and are now open for tours. Shadow figures have been caught peeking around corners and in cells, and visitors often claim to feel a chill while on the grounds. Greg Feketik, the lead paranormal investigator at the reformatory told Ohio Magazine he’d experienced phantom smells, disembodied voices and balls of light.

Watch Destination Fear 'Ohio State Reformatory' on discovery+.

Alcatraz, San Francisco CA

Arguably the most infamous prison in America, Alcatraz saw scores of extremely dangerous criminals pass through its doors. Originally used by the U.S. army as a military prison, construction for the current facility, completed mostly by inmates, began in the early 20th century. Among its notorious inmates were “Machine Gun” Kelly, Robert Stroud the “Birdman of Alcatraz”, and Al Capone. Despite dozens of attempts, no prisoner was ever able to both escape the grounds and survive the 1.5 mile swim back to San Francisco’s shoreline. Visitors to the historic site often feel a chill upon entering 14D, a cell used to punish inmates, and have reported crying and moaning, as well as banjo music drifting through the hallways. Coincidentally, Al Capone could often be found plucking at his own banjo during his tenure at Alcatraz.

Missouri State Penitentiary, Jefferson City, MO

One of the longest operating prisons west of the Mississippi, Missouri State Penitentiary was open continually from 1836 to 2004. The prison was home to several famous inmates, including James Earl Ray, the man who would murder Martin Luther King Jr. In 1967 the facility was named “The bloodiest 47 acres in America” by Time Magazine. During its years of operation, 40 men and women were executed in the gas chambers, and three major riots took place, resulting in several additional deaths on the premises. Nowadays the penitentiary is open for tours (no children under 10 due to the grisly history), and both staff and visitors have reported multiple unsettling encounters.

West Virginia Penitentiary, Moundsville, WV

According to The Gazette-Mail the rumors about West Virginia Penitentiary started even before its closure in 1995. The gothic structure was built in 1876 and would ultimately house up to 2,000 prisoners, despite being designed for half those numbers. 95 executions (85 hangings and 9 by electric chair) were carried out on the grounds. Since its closure, there have been reports of strange noises in the hallways, staff have experienced disembodied physical attacks, and a shadow man has been captured on film.

Pottawattamie County Jail, Council Bluffs, IA

Built in 1881, Pottawattamie County jail featured an incredibly unique architectural design. Nicknamed “the squirrel cage”, the three-tier cell block had ten pie-shaped cells on each level that, unless perfectly aligned, could not be opened. It was intended to rotate continuously, allowing a single guard to man the entire facility. Unfortunately, the design often malfunctioned, ultimately trapping the body of an inmate who had passed away in a cell for several days. Though the jail was not known for being overtly violent, several deaths did occur on site. Since its closure in 1969, there have been reports of full-body apparitions, disembodied footsteps, and feelings of being watched. When Ghost Adventures investigated the jail, they picked up significant Electromagnetic activity upon entering the cage.

Watch Ghost Adventures Serial Killer Spirits 'Axe Killer Jail' on discovery+.

Wyoming Territorial Prison, Laramie WY

Built in 1872 as a federal prison, Wyoming’s first State Penitentiary suffered problems from the get-go. Within the first two years, a fire, multiple escapes, and overcrowding led to a plummeting reputation. In response, policy makers decreased use of the facility until 1889, when a second cellblock was constructed. While the prison was known for being rather tame, it did house some interesting characters, most notably Butch Cassidy. Another of the inmates, Julius Greenwelch, ran a cigar operation during his time at the prison. Contemporary visitors and employees of the museum, which is now listed on the National Register, often smell cigar smoke wafting through the halls, hear loud noises, and find their tools have been moved.

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Are These America's Most Haunted Prisons?

Related To:

Shop This Look

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia PA

Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield, OH

Alcatraz, San Francisco CA

Missouri State Penitentiary, Jefferson City, MO

West Virginia Penitentiary, Moundsville, WV

Pottawattamie County Jail, Council Bluffs, IA

Wyoming Territorial Prison, Laramie WY

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