I absolutely love exploring historical sites, and out of all of the ones I’ve visited, Eastern State Penitentiary is one of my favorites. It’s a massive prison on the edge of Philadelphia, well known for famous prisoners, brazen escape attempts, and ghost stories. It’s a fascinating place to visit, maintained as a “preserved ruin” that has been left largely in the same state as when it was closed and abandoned, with a few cells restored to their original state.
Eastern State was the first penitentiary in the world, holding each prisoner in solitary confinement in order to inspire penitence, or strong regret. It opened in 1829, and featured an imposing exterior designed to inspire a foreboding fear. The inside of the prison was quite different, with running water, flushing toilets, and architecture that resembles a church. As time went on, the prison began to function as a more traditional prison, housing inmates together until it was closed in 1971
It was reopened to the public for historical tours in 1994 after being discovered by Steve Buscemi. The actor was so fascinated by the site after filming the film Animal Factory there, he spearheaded the site’s preservation and recorded it’s audio tour. It has also served as a filming location for several other movies, including Twelve Monkeys.
Everyday Strange 
I have a similar fascination with your subject matter….very engaging images….. Wow! I really like your descriptive posts . . so fresh! . I am so glad you visited my site and liked one of my posts. Last weekend I launched a challenge called TRAVEL BLESSINGS . . . Join the fun by posting at https://scenethat.wordpress.com/travel-blessings-photo-challenge/
LikeLike
Thank you cyclering! I will have to check your photo challenge out 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Solitude: Lamp Light | What's (in) the picture?
This is very reminiscent of British jails from the same period. The prison in Leeds, Armely Gaol is still in use though built in 1847, and clearly uses many of the same design features. It looks as if Millbank Penitentiary in London, which opened in 1816, was the first to build on the latest thinking of having prisoners kept in solitary cells, whilst doing ‘useful’; work in the day. Grim stuff, eh?
LikeLike
Yes, grim indeed. But morbidly fascinating at the same time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d like to go one day
LikeLiked by 1 person
You should, Philadelphia is a great city to visit🖤
LikeLike
It’s about an hr away from me, so it’s not a difficult trip. I’ve been there twice or so
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful! I love your photos, they are very atmospheric and quite claustrophobic! I briefly looked at the separate System, back in uni, fascinating article. I can imagine being imprisoned there. Not pleasant at all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! It is quite a grim place, but certainly fascinating.
LikeLike
Fabulous photos! I especially like the first window with the vines outside. Prisons are probably never delightful, but this one sure looks worthy of a visit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Strange Images: Spring Awakening – Everyday Strange
Interesting photos of an interesting place. One can only imagine what went on there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The history is very interesting. It started as a unique, progressive institution that devolved into a modern overcrowded prison over time.
LikeLiked by 1 person