Random Photo TR: Eastern State Penitentiary

[CoasterJunkie]

On my recent trip to Philly to go to a family wedding, hubby and I took a side trip with his parents to ESP. This place is an old prison built in 1822 that was shut down in 1971. Its full of history as Al Capone was once an inmate for 8mo. This place was also featured on Ghost Hunters. Enjoy the pics.

Finally, this is the visitation room, added in the early 1900's.

Hope you enjoyed your stay at ESP

This was the exit. 3 different doors.

These white cats were everywhere. They are called Ghost Cats. They represent the cats that lived at the prison up until 2004 or so when the last one died.

One of the many escape tunnels. This was one that was successful and thought to have been filled in, only recently found to still be intact.

And this was his cell. Oriental rugs, books and music. He bribed the guards of course.

The most famous inmate at ESP. He stayed for 8mo.

They also put in a Camp X-Ray(Guantanamo Bay) cell. This was also pretty cool. Notice its all chain link.

This was all the people on Death Row...all the juviniles that is. There are about 15 more not seen

Outside. Ball field to the left. Center city Philly straight ahead.

This is a cell in Cell Block 7. They were much smaller as they were added later.

This is #7. They had cool sounds playing to make it feel realistic. This is one of my fav pics!

This is part of the center hub. You can enter all corridors from here. Notice #7. This is where a shadowy figure was seen

Anyone have to go before we move on?

And today, most look like this.

This is what the cells looked like during the time.

These guys were in charge of the prisons at the time

This is corridor 1. Creepy. There is a self guided tour done by Steve Buscemi.

Ok, we are inside now. We were also told there is one way in, and one way out

Notice the turrets. This is like a huge castle, 30foot walls and all

This sign means its old and historic. They said its also a ruin.

First stop, Geno's. Please order in English!

[ventedspleen]

Excellent pics in there.

 

My favourite is also your favourite one

 

For more cool pics like yours, I highly recommend this site: www.opacity.us (tell 'em Britchick sent you!)

[BeemerBoy]

Great pics. And I agree, #7 is by far the best! Old prisons are definitely some of the coolest places to visit. Your pics reminded me a lot of Alcatraz, which is definitely a "can't miss" attraction if you're in the Bay Area, IMHO.

 

Strange thing is, the creepiest thing about the Philly prison was those weird "ghost cats." Strange.

[QuakerOaties]

Nice pictures! I work right down the street from the penitentiary in the ghetto that is North Philadelphia.

 

Mark "Creeps man" Luskus

[Bubba Z]

I wish they would do more with the Halloween tours, It looks like the day trip is better.