The Eastern State Penitentiary was opened in 1829 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as part of a campaign to change inmate behavior with "confinement in solitude with labor." The prison was closed in 1971, but many believe it is still inhabited by the ghosts of inmates who had to endure harsh conditions during their stay. Eastern State developed the separate confinement system of isolating prisoners, which many believe actually led to mental illness rather than reformation. It is said that guards tortured inmates, dousing them in freezing cold water and throwing them in "The Hole," a pit in the ground with no light, where they would barely be fed. Reports of ghosts at Eastern State began in the 1940s. Famed inmate Al Capone is said to have been haunted by a ghost named Jimmy. People today say they hear phantom screams and footsteps throughout and see black figures dart from cell to cell. The Eastern State Penitentiary has become such an iconic haunted attraction, programs like "Ghost Hunters," "Fear" and "Night Visitors" filmed there. Eastern State embraces their reputation, organizing the Terror Behind the Walls haunted house every October.
Eastern State Penitentiary
2027 Fairmount Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 236-3300
easternstate.org
So much history took place in Philadelphia's Old City, it left an indelible mark on the nation and a few ghosts in its wake. The Society Hill neighborhood, located in the Center City section of the city, houses many of its most famous and haunted buildings, including Independence Hall and St. Peter's Church. Benjamin Franklin is often seen walking around Independence Hall looking at documents and taking naps. Flag designer Betsy Ross is often seen haunting her former house. St. Peter's Church Cemetery houses the remains of many of Philadelphia's most famous residents and is said to be just as haunted. Witnesses have seen spinning orbs there and Indian chiefs who died of smallpox. Several companies offer candlelight tours of this neighborhood, including Ghost Tours of Philadelphia.
Ghost Tours of Philadelphia
Chestnut Street and South 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215.413.1997
ghosttour.com
Although Edgar Allen Poe was buried in and often associated with Baltimore, Philadelphia was the author's home during his most productive period. Poe lived on 7th Street in Philadelphia, and his house still stands as a museum and historic site. Poe lived in the house from 1838 to 1844 and during his stay wrote such classic short stories as "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-Tale Heart." Unfortunately, during his stay, his wife developed tuberculosis and Poe grew very stressed over her illness. Tour guides have said that the distressed Poe haunts the house.
Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site
532 N. 7th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-597-8780
nps.gov/edal/index.htm
