Eastern State Penitentiary
Pennsylvania
Eastern State Penitentiary, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a pioneering historic prison that operated from 1829 to 1971. Designed by John Haviland, it introduced the "Pennsylvania system" of separate incarceration aimed at inmate reform rather than punishment. Its innovative radial layout featured seven corridors of solitary cells with skylights symbolizing the "Eye of God," reinforcing moral reflection. The penitentiary housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Willie Sutton. It was the largest and most expensive public building in the U.S. at its completion and became a model for over 300 prisons worldwide. The facility included advanced cell amenities for its time, such as running water, flush toilets, and central heating. Exercise yards were individually enclosed to prevent prisoner communication, and hooded escorts maintained anonymity during movement. Overcrowding led to later cell blocks being built by prisoners themselves, with the worst offenders confined to a specially isolated block. Today, Eastern State Penitentiary is a National Historic Landmark open to the public as a museum, dedicated to educating visitors about the history of incarceration and criminal justice reform.
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Consejo: For the best experience, visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and consider purchasing tickets online in advance to secure entry. Guided tours are available and provide deeper insight into the prison's history and architecture. The site offers discounts for groups, seniors, and students. Fall evenings feature special events like haunted tours, enhancing the atmospheric visit.
Datos interesantes
- •Eastern State Penitentiary was once the largest and most expensive public building in the United States upon completion.
- •Its radial "wagon wheel" design influenced over 300 prisons globally.
- •Notorious gangster Al Capone was incarcerated here.
- •The prison's skylights were called the "Eye of God," symbolizing constant divine surveillance.
- •Prisoners were hooded when moved to prevent recognition by others.
- •Some cell blocks were built hastily by prisoners themselves due to overcrowding.
Historia
Eastern State Penitentiary was constructed beginning in 1822 and opened in 1829 as Cherry Hill State Prison.
It pioneered the "Pennsylvania system" emphasizing solitary confinement for rehabilitation, contrasting with the Auburn system's communal labor.
Originally designed with one-story cell blocks, overcrowding soon necessitated two-story additions.
The prison housed infamous criminals and was the largest public building in the U.S.
at its completion.
It operated until 1971 and has since been preserved as a museum and National Historic Landmark, influencing prison design worldwide.
Guía del lugar
Cell Blocks and Solitary Cells1829
Explore the seven original corridors featuring solitary confinement cells designed to encourage penance and reflection, each with a skylight known as the "Eye of God."
Radial Floor Plan1829
The prison's innovative 'wagon wheel' design with spokes radiating from a central hub allowed guards to monitor multiple cell blocks efficiently.
Exercise Yards1829
Individual enclosed outdoor spaces where prisoners could exercise and garden without communicating with others, maintaining isolation.
Cell Block 15Late operational years
The last and most isolated cell block, built hastily by prisoners and reserved for the worst-behaved inmates, with guards gated off entirely.
Contacto
Teléfono: (215) 236-3300