old prison tours in pennsylvania

Purchase Tickets

• Eastern State Penitentiary
• Halloween Nights

• Directions & Parking

America's Most Historic Prison

Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells held nearly 85,000 people over its long history, including bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton and "Scarface" Al Capone.

May 13, 1:00 pm ET

Policing in america: the 4th amendment, stop and frisk, and civil rights.

Join us for this free, virtual program, part of Justice 101 , a series examining the history of the justice system in America & its impact on our society, citizens, & world.

Plan Your Visit

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is currently open Wednesday through Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed on Tuesdays and on the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Revisit the past. Rethink the future.

Become a member.

Members support the work we do every day and receive exclusive benefits like free daytime admission, invitations to members-only experiences, special discounts, and more!

May 26, 2024, 11:00 am – 11:45 am

Asl guide-led tour and discussion, collaboratory for justice education.

The   Collaboratory for Justice Education at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site   is a dynamic community of dedicated and enthusiastic people with a shared passion for justice education committed to generating innovative solutions for understanding intricate societal issues.

Make a Gift

Eastern State Penitentiary is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Help us preserve this National Historic Landmark and promote our mission to interpret the legacy of criminal justice reform in America through a diverse slate of programming and initiatives.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa. Do eiusmod. Exc amet,

• visitPA.com
• Hospitality Jobs

Type To Search

Eastern State Penitentiary

The radical nineteenth-century prison designed to create social change...

Copied to Clipboard

Location & Contact:

• 2027 Fairmount Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19130
• (215) 236-3300
• Visit Website

When Eastern State Penitentiary opened in 1829, spectators from around the world marveled at its grand architecture and radical philosophy.

The experiment, to reform criminals through strict isolation other than daily visits from the warden and guards, soon became a model for prison design worldwide.

Once built, it was the most expensive construction in the United States at the time.

After 142 years in use, Eastern State finally closed its doors as a prison in 1971. It has since been named a National Historic Landmark.

An estimated 300 prisons on four continents used Eastern’s distinctive “wagon-wheel” floor plan as a blueprint.

Located in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, Eastern State Penitentiary remains one of the most famous prisons in the world, with a list of former inmates that includes bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton and legendary gangster Al Capone.

In its day, Eastern State set the standard for penal reform, with its soaring, castle-like Gothic architecture and its founders’ Quaker-inspired belief that solitary confinement could help reform criminals. An estimated 300 prisons on four continents used Eastern’s distinctive “wagon-wheel” floor plan as a blueprint.

Today, tours offer a glimpse of life inside the prison’s historic cell blocks through exhibits like Al Capone’s restored 19th-century cell, stories of inmate escapes, and critically acclaimed art installations.

Events & More

Each year, Eastern State hosts Terror Behind the Walls , one of the region’s most anticipated Halloween haunted houses.

Designed with a high-startle factor, the terrifying attraction includes Hollywood-quality special effects and lighting, digital sound, animatronic creatures and custom props. More than 200 performers help instill fear in all who dare to enter.

Zombies roam the former prison during Terror Behind the Walls, the popular annual haunted house at Eastern State Penitentiary.   — Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia

Admission & Info

General admission tickets i nclude “The Voices of Eastern State” audio tour, hands-on interactive experiences, history exhibits and artist installations.

If space is available on the day of your visit, you may also reserve a spot at the admissions desk for a guided group tour and discussion at no additional cost.

Visit Official Website

Tours at the penitentiary offer a glimpse at life inside the prison’s historic cell blocks.   — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

• Museums & Attractions
• Philadelphia Neighborhoods
• Public Art & Architecture

The Perfect Hotel Package for an Easy Philly Escape

The  Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.

Stay in Touch

Visiting Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary, The Complete Guide

Established in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiary (“ESP”) was a pioneering correctional facility with a mission to cultivate genuine remorse, or penitence, in its prisoners. Its innovative approach to solitary confinement set the stage for worldwide prison reform.

On the outside, ESP had an imposing Neo-Gothic exterior with 30 foot walls, turrets, and gargoyles. Inside, it resembled a monastery, with high vaulted ceilings and cells with “eye of God” skylights.

Following Enlightenment ideas, prisoners were kept in isolation, away from others. This tactic was meant to encourage reflection on their misdeeds and instill a desire to repent and reform.

While the intent of the Quaker prison reformers was honorable, their theory of remediation was flawed. Isolation didn’t miraculously cure the prisoners. (No surprise!)

Rather, as Charles Dickens had foretold, the extreme isolation was “cruel, wrong, and tampered with the mysteries of the brain.”

Many of the prisoners were never remediated and became recidivists. On top of that, ESP became overcrowded, disease ridden, and its infrastructure broke down. As a result, the collapsing prison was closed for good in 1971.

In this Eastern State Penitentiary guide, I give you a history of the now ruined prison and tell you everything to see on a visit.

>>> Click here to book a ticket to ESP

History of Eastern State Penitentiary

ESP opened on October 25, 1829 and operated until 1971. The penitentiary was designed by architect John Haviland based on the principles of the “Pennsylvania System,” a pioneering approach to prison reform.

The system was the brainchild of civic-minded Quakers who wanted to alleviate the miseries of mass incarceration in public prisons. The would be reformers included Benjamin Rush and Benjamin Franklin.

The prison was designed with these reformist principles in mind. The goal was to provide a humane and rehabilitative environment that would allow inmates to reflect on their crimes and improve morally and spiritually.

Key to this mission was the principle of solitary confinement.

Previously, prisons were just detention pens where criminals, murderers, thieves, and even children were all thrown together with little to sustain them. They often died from violence, cold, or starvation.

The antidote to mass incarceration, the reformers thought, was the other extreme — isolation and confinement in more humane conditions that would deter violence.

If crime was a “moral disease,” it could cured in a church-like environment where the prisoners could experience spiritual remorse.

The prison they envisioned, and which opened in 1829, was unlike anything that had been designed before.

Seven wings of cell blocks radiated from a central hub. This gave guards stationed there a clear line of sight down the long, straight cellblocks extending from the center. And made it easier for guards to monitor inmate activity and respond quickly to any issues.

The cellblock design was copied around the world, making ESP a historically influential prison.

The interior of ESP was designed to appear like a church or a monastery. The cellblocks had tall vaulted ceilings. The cells were also vaulted, and each had a glass skylight called the “eye of God” from which light streamed in.

The doors to the cells were small. Prisoners had to stoop to get in, as if they were bowing to god. They were fed through a tiny “feed door.”

The prison infrastructure was a vast improvement from other prisons.

The private cells all had central heat, flushing toilets, and shower baths. Even the White House didn’t have these luxuries at the time. When completed, ESP was the most expensive building ever constructed in the US.

For 23 hours a day, prisoners ate, slept, worked, and lived in their 8 x 12 foot cells. Their only reading material was the Bible.

And they were only let outside, to a tiny courtyard through the back door of their cell, for two half hour sessions a day. Schedules were synchronized so that the prisoners couldn’t see each other or communicate.

Exposure to other humans was considered an evil. When inmates left their cells, they were hooded so they wouldn’t see anyone.

People were fascinated with this new penal system. For a time, the prison received more visitors than Independence Hall.

Europeans and philosophers from around the world came to inspect the prison. Alex de Tocqueville praised the reform system. He thought it was “severe,” but that it would promote reflection and religion.

Not everyone was convinced though. Charles Dickens was horrified by the concept. He thought isolation would “tamper with the brain” and was worse torture than beating or physical punishment.

Failure of ESP’s Prison Theory

In the end, Dickens was right. The controversial Enlightenment thinking had not been so enlightened after all.

It was, in fact, naive. In reality, solitary confirmation only worsened the mental health of most inmates.

In 1913, ESP gave up on its lofty ideal of splendid isolation, which really just broke people and was another form of punishment. Instead, the prison had inmates work, play, and share cells together.

As time went on, more and more prisoners came to ESP. More cells were built, including ones below ground. Severe overcrowding eventually undermined the prison.

Over the years, ESP held 750,000 prisoners. Some never left. ESP closed in 1971.

Government officials thought about re-purposing the prison, rather inappropriately, as a shopping mall or apartment complex. But, in the end, ESP opened as a museum in 1994.

Though preserved, ESP remains in a state of stabilized semi-ruin. And the museum points out that you assume all risk of bodily harm. Though it seemed perfectly safe to me.

You’ll see peeling walls, crumbling cells blocks, and furniture askew. There is dust everywhere. It will be spooky to some. (Children under 7 are not allowed to visit.)

But the abandoned prison also has eerie beauty, with its unique architecture, historical significance, and the passage of time. The combination of aged stone and a storied past creates a haunting atmosphere that’s akin to “ruin porn.”

Guide To Eastern State Penitentiary: What To See

Here are the highlights and best things to see on a visit to ESP.

The audio tour begins just outside the Visitor Center. You can see the prisoner’s exercise yard. Once inside, you’ll be in cellblock 1.

There are a total of 15 cellblocks within the penitentiary, each with its own unique features and history. These cellblocks contain hundreds of individual cells.

Visitors can explore the prison’s various wings, yards, and outdoor spaces. In addition to the cellblocks, ESP has several central areas like the rotunda, the synagogue, the hospital block, and the administrative offices.

There are also exhibits and plenty of information signage.

Cellblocks 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, and 15 are open to the public. These crumbling cellblocks once held some of the most notorious criminals in American history.

In particular, you’ll want to explore cellblock 7. It’s often referred to as the “Two-Story Block.” You can walk through the tall rusty iron gate and climb the stairs up to the second level.

There are two tiers of cells, with the upper tier overlooking the lower tier. The cellblock was built in 1836 to house a growing inmate population.

The two-tiered layout allowed for increased capacity while maintaining the principles of solitary confinement. Each cell in cellblock 7 had a small exercise yard attached to it, providing some outdoor space for the inmates.

Al Capone’s Cell: Cellblock 8

ESP’s most famous prisoner was the infamous gangster, Al Capone, nicknamed “Scarface.” He was arrested outside a movie theater for carrying a concealed unlicensed revolver.

Capone was hit with the maximum sentence, one year in prison. It was his first stint in the slammer. He served 8 months, getting out a bit early for good behavior.

Capone’s reconstructed cell is just off the central hub near cellblock 8.

ESP doesn’t know exactly what cell Capone was really held in. At first, it was thought that he was housed in a luxury cell on “Park Avenue” with a radio playing waltzes.

But an article in the Philadelphia Recorder in 1029 suggested a more humble cell. Capone most likely even had a roommate. Still, it had a plush decor with a desk, lamps, chair, and paintings on the walls.

The photos above show a past recreation of the supposed luxury cell (left, cell 1) and a new reconstruction of what was more likely Capone’s actual cell (right, cell 3).

The redesign featured less ostentatious period furniture, an added cot for Capone’s roommate, and a prison made rug. The walls are patched up and washed in limestone. This setting was, apparently, not much different than the other ESP prisoners.

The cell to the right of Capone’s is an interesting one. It has traces of paint that were once artistic frescos on the walls.

Other Famous Prisoners

Capone wasn’t the only mobster at ESP. He was just the most famous.

Other notorious lawbreakers included Slick Willie Sutton, Victor “Babe” Andreoli, Ralph “Whitey” Tropiano, and Morris “The Rabbi” Bolber.

Some prisoners had organized crime connections when they arrived at ESP. Others formed new criminal organizations while there.

“The Four Horseman” were a powerful ESP clique in the 1920s. They ran an alcohol, drug, and prostitution ring at ESP. In fact, they nearly took over control of the prison.

They had been appointed by a well-meaning warden to represent the entire prison population and handle small disputes. He hoped, in misguided fashion, that the appointments would instill a sense of accountability and responsibility.

But just the opposite happened. The Four Horsemen used their power to take over everything “from mail privileges to private grudges” in what was called a “unique carnival of lawlessness.”

They even stole a guard office from which to run their seedy operation. Among other things, they operated an elaborate heroin trafficking operation.

The warden was fired and replaced. And the Four Horsemen eventually squelched.

Hospital Wing: Cellblock 3

In cellblock 3, you can tour the remnants of the prison’s Hospital Block, where inmates received treatment.

Once lost to time from dilapidation, it was stabilized and re-opened in 2017. The gate has an iconic Red Cross.

The wing was entirely dedicated to health care, and was unusually well-equipped. It had an operating room, lab, pharmacy, hydrotherapy rooms, and recovery ward.

On the second floor, there was treatment rooms for mental health issues and tuberculosis. Nearly 50% of the prison inmates died from the disease.

Al Capone twice visited the Hospital Block, once for a tonsillectomy and another time for treatment for syphilis.

You’ll see rusty doctors chairs and patient beds, medical artifacts and equipment, and bedpans.

Catholic Chaplain’s Office

This was where Catholic chaplains provided religious counseling to inmates.

The office is decorated with murals by Lester Smith, a self-taught artist who converted to Catholicism while serving time in 1955. He landed in ESP after a string of armed robberies. He was one of the few prisoners who was successfully rehabilitated.

At first, Smith painted saints. But the staff noticed his talent and asked him to paint the Catholic Chaplain’s Office.

Using the pseudonym “Paul Martin,” Smith painted a total of 23 murals during his incarceration, paying homage to his two favorite saints and souls in purgatory. They were discovered in 1995, became part of the public tour in 2011, and were restored in 2014.

These delicate and striking paintings transformed the Catholic chaplain’s quarters into a unique space within the prison. Of particular significance is a mural depicting a kneeling prisoner seeking absolution through confession.

The murals are still extremely fragile and crumbling.

Barber’s Chair

In cellblock 9, you’ll see an abandoned barber’s chair from the early 1900s. It was a Koken classic vintage design and is displayed in a decayed cell.

This particular cellblock housed inmates, provided workshops, and had spaces for activities like barbering and shoe repair. Prisoners would get hair cuts in this cell.

The chair is sometimes referred to as the “Mad Chair.” That’s because it wasn’t just used for haircuts, but to punish uncooperative inmates. They were chained and strapped to the chair, rendered unable to move.

The punishment would literally drive some prisoners insane.

This was the first prison synagogue in the US. It was built in 1924 and served the Jewish inmates at the penitentiary.

It’s situated between cellblocks 7 and 8, in a space that had been four separate exercise yards.

The synagogue has been restored and reopened. There are information placards on display.

You can also see the original Star of David, which was once on the door to the synagogue.

Liberation Library

The “Liberation Library” was a ESP project aimed at providing books and reading materials to inmates.

It was an initiative designed to encourage education and personal development among incarcerated individuals.

Libraries like these are now common in many correctional facilities. They serve as a resource for inmates to access reading materials, including a wide range of books, magazines, and educational materials.

The Klondike

Down a creepy flight of stairs is The Klondike. It was a part of the prison where inmates were placed in solitary confinement as a form of punishment or for disciplinary reasons.

The windowless cells were directly below death row. Prisoners were confined here for up to 2 weeks. Horrifyingly, there was no natural or artificial light. (The lights there now are for museum visitors.)

The Klondike was known for its harsh conditions, including extreme isolation and deprivation. The prisoners had no human contact and very little water and food.

Fortunately, this practice was abandoned in the 1950s.

Death Row: Cellblock 15

Death row inmates sentenced to death were housed in cellblock 15. This was where the most violent prisoners ended up.

There was a panel on the wall with buttons corresponding to each of the cells. This was the only cellblock with electric doors.

This was just an inmate waiting station. No executions took place at ESP.

Prison’s Today Exhibit

This exhibit was installed in 2016. This is where you can learn about the history and different types of incarceration and today’s American model of punishment. The thesis is that mass incarceration isn’t really working.

The exhibit shows how your upbringing might affect your chances of going to prison. In fact, when you walk in you have to make a choice.

You walk to the left if you’ve been incarcerated or to the right if you haven’t. As I walked to the right, it informed me that I was very lucky indeed.

The exhibit features a range of multimedia installations and informational displays that address topics such as mass incarceration, the impact of the prison-industrial complex, the experiences of incarcerated individuals, and efforts at prison reform. You can listen to confessions of prisoners and visitors.

The highlight is a video installation with archival video and C-Span clips. It examines the burgeoning prison population over the decades.

The audio tour ends at The Big Graph. it’s a $100,000 steel structure erected in the exercise yard.

It’s 16 feet tall and weights 3,500 pounds. The monument is essentially a 3D infographic, giving the viewer a set of statistics depending on your vantage point.

From the south, it shows the number of people in prison per a 100,000 population. Through 1980, the figure was low. But then the rate took off and there was unprecedented growth.

From the north, you can see the racial breakdown in prisons. From the east, it charts the rates of incarceration and capital punishment policies around the world.

Seasonal Events

The prison is known for its haunted attraction, Halloween Nights . It takes place on selected evenings from September to November.

It’s an immersive experience with five haunted houses. There are historic tours, live entertainment, and themed bars.

I haven’t been to this event. But, with ESP’s eerie setting, I can imagine it’s as spooky as a horror movie.

Practical Guide & Tips For Visiting ESP

Here are some must know tips for visiting ESP.

Address : 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130

If you are visiting ESP on a weekday, you may be able to find free parking on the street. On a Friday in September, I was able to park right across the street.

If not, there are several parking garages within walking distance of Eastern State Penitentiary, including the Parkway Corporation Garage and the Philadelphia Parking Authority Garage.

The Hop On Hop Off tourist bus stops at ESP. The prison is also close to several bus lines and is a designated stop for both the Big Bus and The Philadelphia Trolly Works.

Hours : Open daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Self guided tours are $21. Click here to pre-book a ticket. Entry is also included in the Philadelphia Go City Pass . They will need to scan the QR code on your paper or digital pass.

The audio guide is excellent and narrated by Steve Buscemi from the HBO show The Sopranos . It guides you around the property, giving you the history of the place along the way.

Guided Tours:

Guided tour are $21. If you are lucky, you may get a former inmate as a guide. If you take one of the tours, you will go into some cells that the general public can’t, such as the half-collapsed kitchen and communal dining hall.

The schedule for tours is:

• Every Saturday & Sunday at 10:30 am
• (Beginning March 20, 2023) Monday through Friday at 2:00 pm

Searchlight Series : ESP partners with criminal justice experts to present lectures on crime, justice, and the American prison system. Check the website under “events” to see what’s on.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to visiting Eastern State Penitentiary. You may enjoy these other Philadelphia travel guides:

• 2 Days in Philadelphia Itinerary
• Top Attractions in Philadelphia
• Guide to Independence National Historical Park
• Guide to the Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Guide to Philadelphia’s Rodin Museum
• Guide to The Barnes Foundation
• Guide to the Mütter Museum
• Guide to the Betsy Ross House

If you need a guide to Eastern State Penitentiary, pin it for later.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

I toured the abandoned Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, and what I saw seriously creeped me out

• Eastern State Penitentiary is a 9.8-acre abandoned prison in Philadelphia.
• In 2019, I took a tour of the ruins and walked through the former cell blocks and prison cells.
• The crumbling facades, rotting walls, and haunted history are what creeped me out the most.

The first time I visited Philadelphia was in 2019, and I was struck by the abandoned prison's dark force as my family drove past.

The Eastern State Penitentiary looms over Philadelphia like an ominous fortress. Once a prominent prison for famous inmates, today Eastern State is abandoned but does offer daily tours for $17 .

After finally making my way to tour the prison and spending three hours inside its walls, I left with goosebumps.

This is what it's like inside the now-abandoned Eastern State Penitentiary.

I sheepishly walked up to the Eastern State Penitentiary, awestruck by its size and architecture.

The looming and ominous building sits on 9.8 acres of land in Philadelphia's Fairmount neighborhood. 

When the prison was built in 1829, it was on the outskirts of Philadelphia. But the city expanded around the prison walls, so it now stands awkwardly within the metropolis.

The odd placement was jarring. Across the street from trendy bars and restaurants sits this 19th-century prison that resembles a fortress.

The fortress-like architecture was meant to scare people away and keep prisoners inside its walls. In fact, the towers and windows on the exterior are not functional and are all for show.

It was surprising to find out that on the other side of the wall, the windows don't exist and the towers have no entrances. The whole exterior is just a facade. 

Once I stepped through the main lobby, I was given a map of the premises and learned about the intricate layout of the inner prison.

The fortress-like exterior hides the radial structure of the inner prison. At the center of the premises, there's a circular room. Off the circular room, there are several hallways that act as cell blocks. The prison was designed to look like a wheel, with each cell block as a spoke. 

When the prison first opened in the 1800s, there were only seven cell blocks . Eight more were added as prison capacity increased. 

Inmates would enter the prison through this hallway and go through the intake process.

Before there were mugshots and fingerprints, inmates were identified solely based on characteristics. In the early days of the prison, the rooms down this hall were where guards took note of a new inmate's physical appearance and behavior to identify him later on. 

The first prisoner was booked with this description : "Charles Williams, Prisoner Number One. Burglar. Light Black Skin. Five feet seven inches tall. Foot: eleven inches. Scar on nose. Scar on Thigh. Broad Mouth. Black eyes. Farmer by trade. Can read. Theft included one twenty-dollar watch, one three-dollar gold seal, one, a gold key. Sentenced to two years confinement with labor. Received by Samuel R. Wood, first Warden, Eastern State Penitentiary ..."

When inmates completed their sentences, they would pass through this hallway for the second time to reenter the outside world. 

Today, the intake hallway is dilapidated with paint peeling off the walls. 

At the end of the hallway is an open room with vaulted ceilings.

This space foreshadows the elaborate designs that the architect John Haviland used throughout the penitentiary. 

At the center of the prison is this room, which was designed to give a view straight down each cell block.

If a guard stood in the center of the room and spun around 360 degrees, the guard could see down every cell block. Today, the room has been refurbished for tours. 

Stepping into cell block one, I was instantly transported back to the 1800s.

In 1787, some thought criminals were victims of their environment and the only way to curb criminal acts was through solitude.

The Philadelphia Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons was formed to create a "house of repentance," or a prison where each inmate never left his or her cell. The goal was to prompt inner reflection and to ensure regret or penitence for one's actions. The Eastern State Penitentiary was the first prison in the world to do this. 

The doors seen in the cell block today were actually installed much later. When the prison first opened, these doors were actually just small openings to pass food through so the inmate could live in solitude.

In fact, prisoners slept, ate, and went to the bathroom in their cells. 

For 23 hours a day, the only light inmates saw came through a small window in the ceiling.

The Eastern State Penitentiary became known for its vaulted ceilings that were made to resemble a chapel. The small skylight in the vaulted ceiling was meant to be a direct view of the heavens, but, in reality it was the inmate's only connection to the outside world.

For one hour each day, inmates could walk through the door at the back of their cell and enter an enclosed space with an open roof.

The outdoor space was a cramped square with walls built up high. Even outside, the inmates did not come in contact with one another. 

Most inmates did not interact with another person — other than guards — until they completed their sentence.

Instead of using corporal punishments on inmates like other prison systems, the Eastern State Penitentiary was meant to be more humane, encouraging prisoners to reflect on their behavior in silence. 

But in some ways, the new system harmed inmates even more. Since some terms lasted several years, many inmates had mental breakdowns . 

This system of isolation as a correctional practice became known as the Pennsylvania System.

This system of isolation was implemented throughout the world after the Eastern State Penitentiary became famous for it.

I stepped inside one of the jail cells and the walls instantly felt as if they were closing in on me. I could not imagine staying in one for 23 hours straight.

People slowly realized that the Pennsylvania System of pure isolation was unbearable on the human condition. 

Charles Dickens visited the prison in 1842 and said, "The System is rigid, strict, and hopeless solitary confinement, and I believe it, in its effects, to be cruel and wrong."

In 1913, the Pennsylvania System was abandoned and the isolation practices ended.

The prison started bunking two people in each jail cell so they could socialize .

As the years went on, inmate life began to emphasize socialization. For example, prisoners were eating together in the dining halls by 1924.

The dining hall is located in cell block five.

Inmates were even allowed to hang out in barbershops, which were located in almost every cell block. Today, the rooms are empty.

While inmates would usually cut each other's hair, they sometimes even gave the guards a new do. In fact, the guards often brought their families to the prison to get their hair cut as well. 

There was also a synagogue on the premises so inmates could gather with people who practiced similar faiths.

The synagogue today has been remodeled and restored to its original look. 

But violence could also be part of the day-to-day. Sometimes there were fights, riots, and even killings.

Guards used these mirrors to see down hallways to ensure every prisoner was behaving. 

It became increasingly difficult to control the inmates as the number of prisoners began to increase over the years.

When the prison first opened, there were 250 prisoners . By 1930, there were 1,800 inmates serving time at Eastern State Penitentiary.

Standing in the abandoned hallways today, it's difficult to imagine more than 1,000 people crammed into this prison. 

To accommodate the growing inmate population, the prison built more cell blocks.

Eventually, the prison expanded to 15 cell blocks, up from seven .

In all, the Eastern State held 80,000 inmates throughout its time in operation, and some of those prisoners were famous.

The bare bed frames still stand in most of the jail cells, but today the doors are unlocked and open, unlike the way they were when the prison was in operation. 

Al Capone was one of the best-known inmates to have served time in the prison.

From 1929 to 1930, the Chicago gangster Al Capone served eight months  at Eastern State for concealing a weapon. His cell was dubbed "Park Avenue" because he enjoyed more luxuries than the other inmates did. 

"The whole room was suffused in the glow of a desk lamp which stood on a polished desk ... On the once-grim walls of the penal chamber hung tasteful paintings, and the strains of a waltz were being emitted by a powerful cabinet radio receiver of handsome design and fine finish," the Philadelphia Public Ledger reported in 1929. 

Today, the jail cell has been refurbished to look as it did when Capone was serving his sentence. Peeking my head into the cell felt like jumping through time.

While Capone's cell is refurbished, the rest of the prison still eerily stands in ruins.

Some parts of the prison are in such bad shape that I was not allowed access, like cell block 12.

From crumbling ceilings ...

The hallways in each cell block were lit by sunlight pouring through the crusted windows and holes in the ceiling. 

... to the broken furniture, the entire prison felt like it was haunted — not with ghosts, but by its dark past.

Broken beds, chairs, tables, cabinets, and toilets were littered throughout the prison as if each inmate left behind a piece of themselves. 

As my tour of the Eastern State Penitentiary came to an end, I was left with a chilling feeling.

While the building closed in 1971 , Eastern State Penitentiary stands today as a monument to the American prison system. Though I didn't see or feel any ghosts on my tour, I did leave feeling haunted by the way prisoners were treated, and by all the people who passed through those now-crumbling walls.

• Main content

Old Jail Museum

    THE OLD JAIL MUSEUM  

See the mysteryous Handprint

Tour a 19th Century Jail 

CREEP into the eerie dungeon

Jim Thorpe, PA

Pre-Season Tours - before Memorial Day:

 * Thursday & Friday by Reservation only - booking link below to reserve             Limited availability.

* Saturdays & Sundays - open Noon - 4: Tours every half hour                

   - NO Reservations available for weekends, first come first serve. 

* Sun, May 5  hours may vary due to family funeral

*  May 16 - May 20  - NO TOURS  due to building maintenance

 May 27 Through October -  Open Daily (closed Wed) - no reservations 

         *Schedule subject to change without notice * 

There's lots of details below so please read before booking.

* NO PARKING in our small lot except if you are HANDICAPPED / DISABLED / ELDERLY.         Public Parking available behind train station (entrance off Rt 209)

       which is 5 walkable blocks away.

  Admission:

Adults - $12

Teenager (13-17) - $10

Children (5-12) - $7   must be accompanied by adult over 18

Child 2 - 4  - $1

Under 2 -  FREE

CASH IS PREFERRED (credit card processor collects 3% of every transaction!)

TOUR RESERVATIONS :

Reserve your spot for Thurs or Friday with the link below.

If the link does not show up, please email  [email protected]

Include the number in your group & we will let you know available tour times. 

Cannont come for reserved time? Please extend common curtesy email/call at least an hour before your tour if you need to cancel your reservation. Thank you! 570-325-5259

Open Full Time:  Memorial Day Weekend (End of May)

* We plan to be open on a regular basis until early November.

* There will be no reservations during our season - just come between the hours we are open.

* 2024 Tour Times (May - October) will be posted late May

 * Sun, May 5  not sure of hours yet due to family funeral

** Sorry CLOSED / NO TOURS May 16 - May 20 due to building maintenance

If you have any questions please email us at [email protected]

Our phone messages are not monitored on a daily basis, but we will get back to you as soon as we can.

 Looking forward to seeing you in Jail:)

BOOKING / RESERVATION here:

Closed May 16th - 19th

TShirt - Ghosts

Old Jail Key Chain

Old Jail Mug

Old Jail Shot Glass

The Old Jail Museum and Molly Maguires

Ghosts of the Molly Maguires?

Molly Maguires Civil War Resisters or Renegades?

A Molly Maguire Tragedy

Inside the jail.

Great for All Ages!

As you enter the cellblock you will be greeted by 27 cells. See how the past prisoners lived during their time served here. Towards the back of the cell block, is a replica of the gallows where four " Molly Maguires" were hanged.

Peer into Cell #17 to see the handprint left by one of the Molly Maguires proclaiming his innocence before his hanging.

The Dungeon

Creep into our eerie dungeon!

Although it is dark there will be no surprises from us. (We cannot say the same about your friends and family.) There are 16 cells & you are more than welcome to venture into them. We also encourage you to take plenty of pictures during your stay.

CLOSED FOR WINTER

Thank you for a fabulous 2023!

We are now closed & the jail is winterized.

RE-OPEN - MAY 2024

Schedule will be posted soon

Here's a map, but if you get lost, just give us a call and we'll tell you how to get to jail (570) 325-5259

128 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, USA

[email protected]

(570) 325- 5259

The Old Jail Museum & Heritage Center, Inc

Subscribe Form

Thanks for subscribing!

Exploring the Abandoned SCI Cresson Prison in Cambria County

I’m always on the lookout for abandoned places in Pennsylvania that I can legally explore. So, when I heard that the former SCI Cresson Prison near Altoona was open for visits, I knew I needed to check it out as soon as I could.

After a 100-year history, SCI Cresson was closed in 2013, and since then, has been left largely abandoned. However, in recent years, Big House Produce has begun converting the site into a hydroponic farm for a variety of crops.

Note: This site is currently closed as a legal fight regarding ownership works its way through the courts. Once this is resolved, I will update this article with the necessary information about visiting. Until then, take some time to read about its history and see photos of the grounds.

They also have started opening the site up for self-guided tours to people interested in urbex, photography, and the site’s history, as well as for other events such as ghost hunts. Information can be found further down in this article on how to legally visit this abandoned prison, but know that visitors are allowed with permission and prices are reasonable, so please don’t trespass on this site.

With that PSA out of the way, read on to discover the incredible history of this site and learn how you can visit it legally and what you can see.

The History of SCI Cresson and the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium

The future site of SCI Cresson began life as the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium.

The land where the sanatorium would sit was donated by steel-tycoon Andrew Carnegie in 1911, and, in 1913, the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium was opened atop a ridge in the Allegheny Mountains , though construction wouldn’t be completed until 1916.

The sanatorium’s buildings were lavishly designed with European touches including a Tudor Revival design, gargoyles atop the tower, and Scottish crests carved into the sandstone structure, a nod to Carnegie.

At the facility, cutting-edge treatments were used to treat those with this contagious disease. Unfortunately, little seems to be known today about how many people came through the facility and what life was like for them, but given the grand nature of the buildings, it must have been, relatively speaking, a pleasant place to get your treatment.

As medical treatments for tuberculosis patients improved over the years, the need for the sanatorium began to wain. In 1956, the facility was incorporated into the Lawrence F. Flick State Hospital. This hospital, which was also known as the Allegheny State Hospital, was designed to care for those with mental health issues, including mental retardation.

This mental hospital was open until December 1982 when the state decided to turn the site into a prison.

Over the next few years, buildings were torn down and others were built in their place to turn the site into a modern and state-of-the-art prison. Some of the existing buildings were also retrofitted with cells and other prison necessities.

In 1987, the first prisoners arrived at what was then called SCI Cresson or Cresson State Prison. The prison was a medium-security facility and housed exclusively male prisoners.

It continued to house inmates until closing in 2013 due to the cost of maintaining the aging facility.

After sitting vacant for several years, the site was purchased with the goal of turning it into a hydroponic farm.

Today, several of the buildings, primarily the newer prison blocks, are currently growing a variety of crops indoors, but much of the historic prison sits abandoned and awaiting restoration.

What You Can See at the Abandoned Cresson State Prison

What’s amazing about this huge site is that nearly all of it is open for exploration. In fact, when entering the site, I was told that if I could find an open door, I could go in and explore as much as I wanted.

This allowed me the chance to explore a variety of both historic buildings dating back to the early 20th century and modern cell blocks that wouldn’t look out of place in a modern prison.

It’s worth knowing that this is a huge site (I spent four hours there and could have easily spent more time). And, save a few of the modern structures, the buildings are in very rough shape. There are filled with mold, peeling paint, and animal scat, just to name a few hazards.

This site is very unlike what you’d see at the other famous abandoned prison in Pennsylvania, Eastern State Penitentiary . In fact, I’d say that only Yellow Dog Village can compare to the condition of this site as far as legally accessible abandoned buildings in PA go.

I definitely would bring a mask with you to deal with the likely unsafe air quality in the buildings (Which is kind of ironic since this facility was started as a sanatorium because of the clean mountain air here).

I would also recommend bringing a flashlight with you as some of the space, particularly in the basements, is pitch black and there appear to be no electric lights in any of the open buildings. On a related note, a tripod is definitely needed if you plan to do a lot of photography during your visit.

During my exploration, I was able to, I believe, enter into every unlocked building, and each structure had interesting spaces to explore, though some obviously were more interesting than others.

For future events, I’ve been told that they will be providing a map of the site, which should help with finding your way around the facility and finding the buildings that you most want to visit.

The historic Cresson Sanatorium building is located on the north end of the campus and is one of the can’t miss buildings. While some of the auxiliary wings were torn down when converting the site into a prison, much of the structure still stands today.

Inside the main lobby, there is incredible woodwork that can be found before branching off into the rest of this three-story building.

The main floor is primarily comprised of jail cells that may have held some of the lower-level prisoners at the facility. On the second floor, you’ll find offices for workers at the prison.

Meanwhile, the basement is in quite rough shape, with very little light and peeling paint. However, in the back of the building, there is a very cool indoor basketball court that I was excited to stumble across.

While it’s not as large as the basketball court in the main gym, it’s still in pretty good shape and still had the baskets hanging at either end of the court.

If you exit the basketball court through the exterior door, you’ll find yourself along the northern fence line of the prison and next to the old automotive shop.

This space was designed for prisoners to learn automotive skills, which is clear from the two very cool murals on the exterior of the space.

When I visited, I was able to head into the garages, which were interesting to see, but the main feature here is the exterior murals.

Moving around to the other end of the complex another interesting building is the second large Tudor style building. From the exterior, you can see that this is actually four separate buildings connected together by long above-ground passageways.

This building contained a huge number of interesting sights spread between its multiple levels including a large kitchen space (with some of the large appliances still installed), a laundry space, offices, a classroom with furniture, and many more hidden gems.

In the far left building white building (if looking at the front of the complex), you’ll find the prison’s medical facility, which might be the most interesting space here.

I was amazed to see medical equipment still present in some of the rooms, which really made it an interesting space to explore.

Between these two Tudor Revival buildings, make sure to find Grace Chapel. It’s steeple rises above many of the buildings, so it’s fairly easy to find from many areas throughout the prison grounds

This historic church predates the prison and was built in 1914 during the earliest stages of the sanatorium.

While it has been damaged a bit over the years, it’s still a beautiful spot to check out, and there are even some prison signs still hanging on the wall that are nearly a decade old and very interesting to read.

In addition to SCI Cresson’s historic buildings, the site is also home to several modern cell blocks. While several of these are off-limits to visitors because they are being used for the hydroponic farm, there were, at the time of my visit at least one that you could enter.

Despite being the newest structures on the site, I found them to be among the most interesting to see as they looked, at least on the surface, like they had just been abandoned and prisoners (or a film crew) could come in at any second.

Of course, this also gave it a bit of an eerie and forbidden feeling.

Walking the two levels of the cell block gave me a chance to peer into the tiny cells and get a bit of an idea of what life is like for prisoners currently serving time in a Pennsylvania state prison.

In between the two connected cell blocks of the building, you’ll find the correctional officer’s control room, which, quite surprisingly, still had some equipment and signage.

While this space was in a bit rougher condition than the cell blocks, it was still interesting to stand inside and imagine what it was like for those that worked here less than a decade prior to my visit.

Another building to search out is the prison’s gymnasium.

In this space, you’ll find a large basketball court that still retains some of the paint on the floor, though, sadly, no basketball hoops.

Around the walls of the building, there are large paintings depicting various sports. I was shocked to see these paintings still looked in pristine condition and really enjoyed spending a few minutes looking at each one.

In a side room, weight equipment can still be found in several spots. In fact, much of the equipment looked like you could just dust it off and start working out.

In truth, I could keep going on and on discussing the many cool things I found while exploring the abandoned SCI Cresson. In fact, I didn’t even talk about the other historic buildings and the many exterior sights. 

There really is just so much to see at this abandoned prison, and I’m grateful that owners have decided to open it up for the public to explore so that you can find your own hidden surprises, of which there are many more that aren’t included here.

How to Visit SCI Cresson

As I mentioned, it is possible to visit SCI Cresson State Prison with permission from the owners.

Since the spring of 2021, they have held events where photographers and history lovers can visit the prison and explore the site on their own. This freedom gives you the chance to enter nearly all of the structures and to find the spots that interest you the most.

Open house dates for the prison are announced on the Facebook page for the site and all events are listed on their website .

Even more impressive, visits to the abandoned prison in Cresson are only $10 per hour of exploration (at the time of publication), which is very inexpensive.

If you are looking for something a bit different, Big House Produce has also started hosting other types of events such as ghost hunts and airsoft military-style games in the facility. While I’ve only visited for the self-guided tours, this seems like a great location for both.

Finally, if you’d like to help restore the site, they also have volunteer days periodically. On these days, volunteers work for a few hours and then are given a few hours to explore the site at no cost.

Given the inexpensive cost of visiting and the different event types, there’s a bit of something for anyone that loves historic and abandoned sites, and I’d be lying if I said that this wasn’t one of the coolest places I’ve explored in a long time.

Note that the entire prison is surrounded by barbed wire fencing and trespassing is strictly prohibited. Please only visit with permission.

Looking for even more places to visit? Check out the Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike , the best things to do in Altoona , the Allegheny Portage Railroad , and the historic Horseshoe Curve .

Click the map to see more nearby things to do

More nearby places worth exploring

DelGrosso’s Amusement Park: A Great Outing for the Kids in the Alleghenies

Visiting Centre Furnace Mansion: The Birthplace of Penn State University

Juniata Brewing Company: Craft Beer in the Heart of Huntingdon, PA

Exploring Modern History at the Isett Heritage Museum in Huntingdon

Find more things to do in the alleghenies region.

Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Based in Carlisle near Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world.

7 thoughts on “Exploring the Abandoned SCI Cresson Prison in Cambria County”

I am retired from Rockview Prison. I am sure it will be a tourist site one day, too. I’d love to be a guide there. Experienced some spirit-oriented episodes there. Thank you for publishing this article and telling of your experience. One place we happened upon was in West Virginia. Moundsville State Prison. Closed for years. But, just happened to be hosting Mock-Riot training years back. We just happened to have our Rockview Jackets and were allowed in. Turned out Rockview had the CERT team there. Ran into fellow officers. We were permitted to tour the place all alone. Was an awesome experience. BUT…two weeks later, we are watching Ghost Hunters on TV. Their episode was ….wait for it…Moundsville State Prison. Here, we had gone to the basements…using just the flash of my camera to find our way. Only to find out, that is where caretakers had faced ghostly spirits. Well, it turned out to be the only overnight in a haunted facility that this ghost hunting team DID NOT COMPLETE…lol…they ran out the front gate. Most folks would be scared to do it again…but we yearn for another visit.

I spent the last 2 weekends of April visiting my brother/sister in law in Portage before they moved out of state, we were looking up alot of places to go those 2 weekends & this was one of them!!! Not knowing it was open for tours, we didn’t go!! Im going in Aug (July was already sold out) & have shared this article with them (as sister in law was from that area & her grandmother had worked for the Sanatorium). I can’t wait to explore this place!!!!

Hope you have fun! It’s a really interesting place to explore.

Great article. Looking to check it out. Thanks

We’re taking our second trip this weekend! Such a neat place to explore.

The Cambria County Historical Society has some good info on the Sanitorium including first hand stories of people that were patients there. By the sounds of it the place was NOT a nice place to be.

Thats very interesting story and you mention Rockview.. I am very well acquainted with George Gummo Sr, a former Rockview Gaurd..

Hi Jim, Great Read , Thank you for sharing, Very informative Margaret

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Sharing is caring.

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!

Eastern State Penitentiary

Photos & videos.

See all 3206 photos

See All 3206

Review Highlights

“ The next day I enjoyed the self guided tour of the prison which is narrated by Steve Buscemi and others. ” in 145 reviews

“ As far as historical sites go, the prison is well-maintained, and they often have interesting events going on! ” in 275 reviews

“ Al Capone was a whiskey runner, murderer and otherwise bad guy from Chicago talked about in many US movies. ” in 136 reviews

Show more review highlights

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

2027 Fairmount Ave

Philadelphia, PA 19130

Fairmount, Art Museum District

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Is this site wheelchair or scooter accessible?

When is the best time of day (Saturdays) to visit while avoiding the crowd?

I visited just a couple weeks before Christmas during a weekday around 2 pm. Maybe someone else knows about weekend hours, but the prison is so large with wide enough hallways that I can't imagine it would be crowded uncomfortably so. Hope this helps

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

908 reviews

Such a unique museum built on history and kept alive with art! The history of it is interesting, and also the modern questions of mass incarceration. It gives you a lot to think about, and a great space to have open conversation if you choose to visit with someone. The self-guided tour is an introverts dream. It allows you to go at your own speed and choose where you explore. The archives they put together with the voices really make the place come alive. (Spoiler alert: This place is haunted for sure).

The prison was designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in prisoners through "confinement in solitude with labor." It quickly became one of the most expensive and most copied buildings in the United States.  The prison is known for its grand architecture and strict discipline. It became the model for all prisons.  The prison is now a museum and offers public tours. Visitors are provided with an MP3 player and headphones that guide them through the prison and its history. The prison also hosts an annual haunted house...

Outside of penitentiary

What a terrific time we had here! Didn't know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised! Perfect for a group with kids - I have a 13 and 15 year old and they were entertained with the audio and the back stories of the inmates. Takes about 2 to 2 1/2 hours to get through so make sure you give yourself enough time. Definitely a must do while you're in Philly!

See all photos from Shane B. for Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Pen is definitely an unusual and unique attraction to visit. There's lots of history within those walls. The audio tour was very helpful in navigating the cell blocks while telling the stories of inmates, guards and the origin of the jail. It was really cool to be able to walk the grounds of a building that was opened in the 1800's. Towards the end, some of the jail cells were repurposed into art exhibit. Plan to spend 1-2 hours there!

See all photos from Brandy C. for Eastern State Penitentiary

I saw this while looking up things to do in Philadelphia and immediately added it to the to-do list during one of my upcoming trips. I decided to go on an early Sunday afternoon. There is lots of street parking available in the immediate area...but its probably best to stick to the main streets (Fairmount and Corinthian Avenues...). Once you get into the side residential streets, the signs there mention "permit" which made me a bit nervous. I know some neighborhoods require residential permits to park on the streets and I didn't want to take the chance. Admission prices were $21 for adults and $17 for childen. Children under 6 are free. (Online prices...not sure if was more at the ticket window) After entering the front, you pick up your audio device. A small device with headphones that you can select various numbers marked throughout the penitentiary that will tell you a bit about that area or exhibit. I hope at some point, they would offer an app or online guide where you can use your own phone and earphones for this...the device provided is very dated and comes with wired over the head headphones which can get in the way if you are carrying items, a camera for example. The penitentiary itself was great. While the audio device was cumbersome at times, the information provided throughout the self-tour was impressive. It is very well-paced and guides you through the main areas before letting you know the formal tour is over and your are free to explore. There are many smaller areas and exhibits throughout the penitentiary with wonderful little details about prison life at that time. A must for any history or architect buff. One of the larger areas is the prison yard which leads into an indoor exhibit focusing on the impact of prison reform and overall effectiveness of the various prison philosophy. I like how they included something relevant to modern-times and its impact on today's society. It really stresse that we, as a nation, can do a lot better. I usually get through museums pretty quick...reading the exhibits while taking lots of photos. This took me about 2 hours to get through most of the areas. There were certain areas I was less interesting in that I didn't read or listen to the entire description. So give yourself time if you plan to see everything...also wear comfortable shoes as there is quite a bit of walking. There is a small gift shop toward the end of the tour with clothes, mugs, books...etc...what you'd expect to find in most gift shops. There is also a bathroom trailer as you exit...very clean actually. All staff I encountered were friendly and polite. As for children...some older children may be interested in the history and stories of the prison...but there really isn't much "to-do" for younger children. The entire tour is on one level throughout the cell blocks, prison yard and other sub-areas...there arent any stairs except for one view from the upper cell block level. The penitentiary is in walkable distance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rocky Statue and Steps and surrounding park. There are also some nice eating options along Fairmount Avenue which leads right into the park...not a bad idea to make a day trip to include the penitentiary, food stop and park.

See all photos from Jason P. for Eastern State Penitentiary

Wow Eastern State Pen. I can confidently say this is the most well-done Halloween attraction I've ever experienced. These tickets are worth every penny, as the attention to detail and creativity are remarkable. One fascinating historical tidbit is that Al Capone was once housed at this very location and even got his tonsils removed here. It adds an extra layer of intrigue to the place. Additionally, it's a fun fact that the prisoners at Eastern State Penitentiary had indoor plumbing before the White House, providing a glimpse into the unique history of the location. So while Andrew Jackson used an outhouse, the prisoners here had indoor plumbing. The attraction consists of five haunted houses, each with its own distinctive theme and atmosphere: 1. Delirium 3D Haunted House: Step into a mind-altering trip through a neon jungle where reality blurs and menacing creatures lurk in the shadows. It's a disorienting and thrilling experience. 2. Machine Shop Haunted House: Hidden away, this long-forgotten machine shop exudes an eerie evil. The sense of dread is palpable, and you'll wonder if you'll escape becoming part of the sinister machinery. 3. The Speakeasy at Al Capone's Cell (VIP Admission ONLY): This Prohibition-themed cocktail lounge is a cozy hideaway, where you can enjoy a drink and be serenaded by undead lounge singers. It's a unique and immersive experience, with one complimentary drink to set the mood. 4. The Bloodline Lounge: A vampire-themed cocktail lounge where the vampires entertain with singing, dancing, and other talents. 5. The Crypt Haunted House: Venture into the lair of an ancient vampire clan, shrouded in mist and mystery. Be cautious, as these creatures demand a sacrifice, and the queen and her bloodthirsty minions might mark you as their next offering. -website The level of detail, historical intrigue, and variety of haunted houses make it a top-notch destination for Halloween enthusiasts. It's an adventure that's worth every penny, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

See all photos from Sara G. for Eastern State Penitentiary

This was such a unique way to spend an evening. My friend and I opted to do the nighttime tour and used the headphones. The penitentiary was much larger than I thought it would be but was so interesting. You could follow along with the tour on the headphones and it would tell you which way to go, when to stop, etc. There was so much history to see and learn about and there was a definite chill in the air. A super cool experience and I highly recommend checking it out if you can.

See all photos from Lea D. for Eastern State Penitentiary

While traveling to Philadelphia, we were recommended to come visit Eastern State Penitentiary. This historical site offered a lot of learning opportunities, through audio tours, different exhibits and installations, as well as having workers posted through out the campus to answer any and all questions you might have! We opted to come in the evening for their summer night hours. They don't let you in before 6, which is when their evening hours start, so don't come too early. There was a lot nearby with plenty of parking, and the prices to park were very reasonable. It is a large campus so make sure to wear comfortable shoes too! These buildings were full of information and history! I would highly recommend coming to check it out if given the opportunity.

Bravo for ESP for including real conversation about contemporary incarceration in the context of this historic place. Also, I love checking in on the artist installations here as they are usually thought provoking and interactive.

See all photos from Ellie B. for Eastern State Penitentiary

Blown away by the experience at Eastern State, and feel super lucky to have this community gem in my backyard! Once the weather turns, I am looking forward to attending many of their summer events like movies and yoga in the courtyard, and of course swinging by their Halloween nights in October. If you're visiting or live in Philly and never taken the tour, I think it is one of the coolest cultural attractions in town. Steve Buscemi narrates the audio tour (hilarious and delightful surprise) and the entire thing was engaging and easy to follow. The effort that went into maintaining the site as a "living ruin" astounds me, and there is a lot of haunting beauty to be found at every turn. I attended on a chilly day and still had a great time, just be sure to bundle up and dress for the weather. The incarceration exhibit at the end of the audio tour was also so well put together and really did a great job bringing context to the landmark itself and what's changed and what hasn't over time. Grateful this amazing and well-photographed institution exists and looking forward to my next visit!

65 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Collections Including Eastern State Penitentiary

Philadelphia

By Kayla Y.

There's more to Philly than pretzels

By Melissa L.

More than Philly Cheese Please

By Rachel A.

Philly Philly

Philadelphia Tourist Guide

Philly ♥️♥️♥️

🔔 Philadelphia, PA

By Caitlin C.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Reviews

By Kayla C.

The *GREAT* American Fun in Philadelphia List

By Rebekah T.

you don't even know what you're missing

By Sarah H.

People Also Viewed

Independence Hall

Edgar Allan Poe House

Liberty Bell Center

Elfreth’s Alley

Wagner Free Institute of Science

The United States Mint

The Betsy Ross House

Cescaphe Water Works

Bartram’s Garden

Best of Philadelphia

Things to do in Philadelphia

People found Eastern State Penitentiary by searching for…

Crime Museum Philadelphia

Interactive Museum Philadelphia

Must See Philadelphia

To Do Philadelphia

Eastern State Penn in Philadelphia

Outdoor Activities in Philadelphia

Things To See in Philadelphia

Tourist Attractions in Philadelphia

East State Penitentiary in Philadelphia

Field Trips in Philadelphia

Military Discount in Philadelphia

Rainy Day Activities in Philadelphia

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Things to Do

Bike Rentals

River Cruise

Other Landmarks Nearby

Find more Landmarks near Eastern State Penitentiary

Discover the Burgh

Exploring the Historical Jail Museum in Downtown Pittsburgh

Published by Jeremy . Last Updated on January 16, 2024.

Disclaimer : Our site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Please check out our Terms and Conditions . Pricing, operating hours, or menus may have changed since our initial visit and may not be reflected in subsequent updates. Please confirm these directly with any business or attraction prior to visiting.

If you've spent some time walking around downtown Pittsburgh , odds are good you've seen the old Allegheny County Courthouse and Jail. This historical building is one of the most stunning in the city and even includes its own Bridge of Sighs walkway that connected the two buildings.

Today the jail has been decommissioned and converted into a Common Pleas court, yet many artifacts from the era exist and are available on display in the Old Allegheny County Jail Museum.

But if you want to check this one out you'll have to plan accordingly- it is only open from 11:30am to 1pm on Mondays, February to October!

The Jail Museum in Downtown Pittsburgh is Unique

The old Allegheny County Jail is an interesting spot for a number of reasons. It was built in 1886, in use until 1995, and is a gorgeous building on the exterior!

While most of the museum has now been converted, one wing of the cells was preserved and now contains a small display of historical paraphernalia, books, and images thanks to a quick-thinking employee who rescued the items at the time of the jail's closure.

The museum iteslef is split into three main sections. The first is a display case for the artifacts and notable prisoners (and prison breaks- one involving the warden's wife and her prisoner lover). The second is highlighting the imprisonment of children in the jail's early days (which ceased in 1901 due to the passage of the Juvenile Court Act). The third section features the jail cells themselves- roughly six or so rather small confines that held multiple people at once!

While the tour of this historical spot can be self-guided, the highlight here are the docents from the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation who really help bring the history of the space to life.

I was originally on my way out after my brief self-guided tour when I started to chat with a docent, and I ended up staying an extra half hour to talk more about the museum. Some of the most fascinating aspects was hearing all of the stories of former inmates who came back to see the jail, as its closure really wasn't that long ago at all, as well as the escape attempts over the years!

While it is a bit of an odd recommendation to head down to a court to check out a prison, there is something oddly fascinating about taking a look back into the history of one of the city's oldest buildings- even if it happens to be a prison.

A Few Notes Before You Visit

As mentioned at the start of this article, the museum is only open for about an hour and a half every Monday from February to October (excluding public holidays), but there are a few more things to keep in mind.

First of all, the building is still an active Common Pleas court. This means you'll have to go through security when entering the building (think airport-style screenings), but just tell them you are there for the tour and they'll let you right in. Second, no cameras are allowed inside, and no photos are allowed in the museum either (which is why you only get to enjoy photos of the exterior here!).

Suffice it to say, this one is an unusual museum in downtown Pittsburgh!

The Old Allegheny County Jail is located at 440 Ross Avenue at the current Allegheny County Family Division and open on select Mondays from February to October from 11:30 to 1.

Find Another Pittsburgh Attraction

Fort Necessity – The Battle That Started it All

Descending into the Earth at the Laurel Caverns

Taking a Trip Back in Time at the Photo Antiquities Museum

Find more to do in downtown pittsburgh.

Healthy Ride Pittsburgh – A New Way to Explore the City

Pizza Parma Review – Large Pizzas in the Burgh

The Pittsburgh Jazz Festival Offers a Weekend of Stellar Music Downtown

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The story of a forgotten America.

• Royalty-Free Images

Western Penitentiary

Western Penitentiary, later known as SCI Pittsburgh, was a low-to-medium prison in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was the first prison west of the Atlantic Plain as well as a major Civil War prison in 1863–1864.

Walnut Street Prison, a city jail and penitentiary built in 1790 in Philadelphia, was considered to be the first of its type in the United States as it was built with individual cells and work details. But the state’s lack of financial provision for the expansion of the prison or the creation of new prisons led to severe overcrowding at Walnut Street.

The state responded to the decline of Walnut Street by ordering the construction of two new penitentiaries, and the legislature appropriated funds for the construction of the Western Penitentiary in 1818. 1 9 10 Architect William Strickland was hired to design the new facility and construction began shortly after along North Avenue. 1 The erection of the stone-walled prison, with a spoke-and-hub layout and walls three feet thick, was finished at the cost of $178,206 on July 1, 1826. The first inmates, consisting of eleven men and one woman, were admitted.

The new prison may have been an improvement over Walnut Street but the facility had become overcrowded and was considered inhumane by 1836. 1 Orders were given to demolish the cells and construct larger ones on the same site. William Haviland, who had designed Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, was hired to assist but instead of featuring seven radiating wings like at Eastern State, Western Penitentiary would feature three main wings with 230 cells connected to an administration building. An additional 94 cells and a hospital building were added in 1865, followed by a new building with 24 cells for female inmates in 1870. The new seven-foot by fifteen-foot cells for women were larger and featured gas lights, steam heating, and a four-inch window.

Western Penitentiary could not keep up with the demand for its cells despite the rebuilding and expansions, and the facility had become landlocked in a rapidly growing neighborhood. A new prison facility and site were desired, and it was decided that the abandoned Western House of Refuge along the Ohio River would serve as a suitable site. The Western House of Refuge had been founded in 1850 to serve as a home for wayward children but it soon became a home for juvenile delinquents. 1 2 Believing it suffered from poor sanitary conditions, the operators created the Morganza Reform School in Washington County in 1876 and sold their old facility to the prison in 1878.

Architect E.M. Butz was hired to design the renovations and expansions needed at the new site, with labor to carry out construction supplied by inmates who renovated the Administration Building and erected the new south wing and a residence for Warden Wright. 1 Upon the project’s completion in 1892, Western Penitentiary contained 1,280 cells spread between five tiers in two wings. It was the first prison in the world to feature gang locks, and electric lights, running water, steam heat, and a toilet in each cell. The new prison allowed for the growth of inmate labor and inmates worked in various trades that included making brooms, cigars, and shoes, weaving mats, and forging chains and other metallic objects. 1 Profit from the various trades helped to defray incarceration costs but legislation passed in 1898 curtailed inmate labor and regulated the production of goods and services only for the state.

Western State Penitentiary, once under the Department of Welfare, later fell under the Department of Corrections and the prison became known as State Correctional Institution (SCI) Pittsburgh in 1955. 1 Two new cell blocks and the Riverside Community Corrections Center were added in the 1980s.

The move to close the aging and cost-inefficient SCI Pittsburgh was long desired but it posed a challenge to shut down because it served as a diagnostic and classification center and housed medical services such as a cancer treatment unit. 12 SCI Fayette, near Brownsville, opened in October 2003 to replace SCI Pittsburgh, 11 and the last of Pittsburgh’s inmates were transferred to Fayette in January 2005. SCI Pittsburgh was mothballed in the event that it could reopen if the inmate population continued to grow. 3 7 11

In 2007, the state began preparing for the biggest expansion of its corrections system in a decade. 6 The new cells were needed to accommodate an additional 2,000 inmates because of mandatory sentencing laws. SCI Pittsburgh was reopened at the cost of $28 million 6 to house up to 1,500 low and medium-security inmates who required substance abuse treatment as part of the expansion. 4 It was expected that the prison would be opened for only three to five years.

On January 26, 2017, 8 it was announced that SCI Pittsburgh would close by June 30 as a result of state budget shortfalls and inmate population decreases. 7  It would save the state approximately $81 million annually. 7 8

• “ Western State Penitentiary: A Brief History ” Old Western Pennsylvania , 28 Apr. 2016.
• Eldredge, A.S. “ House of Refuge .” Pittsburgh Old Newspaper Project Updates , 2017.
• Lash, Cindi. “Fayette residents hope prison holds promise of better future.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette , 31 Jul. 2003.
• Barnes, Tom. “State prison system needs more cells.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette , 11 Mar. 2007, pp. B1-B3.
• McConville, Emily. “As shutdown of SCI Pittsburgh nears, inmates and staff move elsewhere.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 9 Jun. 2017.
• Swift, Robert B. “State seeks more prison cells.” Daily Item [Sunbury], 11 Feb. 2007, pp. A1-A9.
• Langley, Karen. “State will close a prison in Pittsburgh.”  Philadelphia Inquirer , 27 Jan. 2017, p. B2.
• Scolforo, Mark. “SCI Pittsburgh shrinking as closing gets underway.” Standard-Speaker [Hazelton], 20 Feb. 2017, pp. A1-A11.
• “ Prison Records .” Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, 2020.
• Meskell, Matthew W. “An American Resolution: The History of Prisons in the United States from 1777 to 1877.” Stanford Law Review , vol. 51, no. 4, Apr. 1999, pp. 841–853.
• “Pittsburgh state prison ships out last inmates.”  Public Opinion [CHambersburg], 14 Jan. 2005, p. 7A.
• Levy, Marc and Mark Scolforo. “Pennsylvania is shutting down SCI Pittsburgh state prison.”  Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 , 26 Jan. 2017.

[…] Image Source: abandonedonline.net […]

Prison is only used for movies/shows now. It has been permanently closed since 2017. I closed it down.

This prison isn’t abandoned. I have photos of the inside of the prison that were taken for my dad before it closed down the first time. He was a Sargent there for numerous yrs. Retired in 2000-2003. I can’t remember the exact year.

The prison isn’t abandoned. It is still in use for various projects and explorers should not attempt to visit.

Leave your comment! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Related Posts

Two west virginia rail trails.

West Virginia has many miles of fantastic rail-to-trails, or railroads that have been abandoned and converted into recreational corridors. Most of the trails are not paved, and many contain impressive bridges and tunnels that make any trip exciting. And quite a few of them have remnants of their coal mining past remaining, whether it is abandoned mine portals or discarded equipment. Two of those trails are profiled: The Chesapeake & Ohio’s Hawks Nest Subdivision and the Nicholas, Fayette & Greenbrier Railway.

The (near) Ghost Town of Thurmond, West Virginia

Thurmond, West Virginia is a fascinating town along the New River in Fayette County. With just a population of five, Thurmond served as an important stop for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad before the advent of the diesel locomotive era.

Louisville’s Parkland School

The cornerstone of every neighborhood is a school, including Louisville, Kentucky’s Parkland.

The Waldo Hotel was one of West Virginia’s premier hotels – now abandoned.

Old Western Pennsylvania

Thursday, april 28, 2016, western state penitentiary: a brief history by doug macgregor.

Western State Penitentiary: A Brief History

The “first” western state penitentiary (1818-1836), the “second” western state penitentiary (1836- 1884).

• Why Meet in Cumberland Valley
• Meeting Venues
• Team Building
• Complimentary Event Planning Services
• Submit an RFP
• Request a Meeting Planner
• Free Bureau Services
• Restaurants
• Self-Guided Tours

Things To Do

• Transportation
• Group Tour Planner
• Sports Facilities
• Wedding Venues
• Wedding Officiants
• Bridal Wear
• Wedding Planners
• Florists & Favors
• Invitations
• Music & Entertainment
• Party Rentals
• Photographers & Videographers
• Spas & Salons

in Cumberland Valley

• What's Happening
• Cumberland Valley Passport Trails
• Car Shows and Racing
• Kid Friendly Activities
• Free Things to Do
• Indoor Activities
• Restaurant Listings
• Cafes & Coffee Shops
• Cumberland Valley Coffee & Chocolate Trail
• Cumberland Valley Ice Cream Trail
• Downtown Carlisle Restaurants
• West Shore Restaurants
• Eat Like a Local
• Cumberland Valley Farm Fresh Trail
• Farm Attractions
• Cumberland Valley Beer Trail
• Cideries & Distilleries
• Culinary & Cooking Class
• Historical Sites
• Museums & Historical Societies
• Bars & Nightlife
• A Weekend Getaway for Kids
• Romantic Getaway
• Inexpensive Getaway
• Family Getaway
• Spring Getaway
• Fall Getaway
• Your Weekend with More Horsepower
• Historic Downtown Carlisle
• Locally Made
• Fitness Centers
• Art Galleries
• Performing Arts
• Top 10 Fishing Locations
• Top 10 Hikes
• Top 10 Historical Sites
• Top 10 Bird Watching Hotspots
• #WeekendEasy
• My CV Adventure

• Appalachian Trail
• Bike Routes
• Horseback Riding
• Campgrounds & RV Parks
• Guided Tours
• Hunting & ATVs
• Nature Explorer
• Bird Watching
• Colonel Denning State Park
• Pine Grove Furnace State Park
• Susquehanna River
• Conodoguinet Creek Water Trail
• Yellow Breeches Creek Water Trail

• Bed and Breakfasts
• Hostels & Vacation Rentals
• Hotels & Motels

• New Cumberland Apple Festival
• Carlisle's Ice Art Fest
• Great American Outdoor Show
• Carlisle Summerfair
• Jubilee Day
• Fall Festivals
• Williams Grove Speedway
• Fall Carlisle & Auction
• Spring Carlisle & Auction
• Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals
• Carlisle Ford Nationals
• Carlisle GM Nationals
• Carlisle Chrysler Nationals
• Carlisle Truck Nationals
• Corvettes at Carlisle
• Cumberland Valley Lodging: Distance to Carlisle Events
• All Breeds Jeep Show
• Valentines Day
• Carlisle's Wonderland Weekend
• This Weekend
• Submit an Event

• Things to Do
• Nearby Towns

• Request Visitors Guide
• eNewsletters Sign Up
• Visitors Center
• Dickinson College
• Shippensburg University
• Messiah University
• Central Penn College
• Penn State Dickinson School of Law
• U.S. Army War College
• Getting Here & Around
• Visitors Guides & Brochures
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Tourism Partners
• Economic Development
• Community & Industry Partners
• Tourism Funding
• Partners Login
• Privacy Policy

Old Cumberland County Prison

The Old Cumberland County Prison, located in downtown Carlisle, was an operating prison from 1854-1984 and is now used for county offices. Designed by Philadelphian architect Edward Haviland designed the prison. In Pennsylvania, the castle-style prison was very popular in the mid-nineteenth century made popular by Edward’s father, John Haviland. The previous jail was also located on the corner of East High and South Bedford streets. This lot would house a prison from 1753 until 1985, when the new Cumberland County Prison was built on Claremont Road about two miles away from this location.

Allegedly, there is paranormal activity on site. The prison was featured on an episode of Ghost Hunters (SyFy Channel)  in November 2015.

NOTE: The building is not open to the public and, at this time, no tours are being offered.

Information

These 9 Forgotten Prisons In Pennsylvania Will Send Chills Down Your Spine

Beth Price-Williams

A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.

More by this Author

No one really knows what goes on behind prison walls, except the prisoners, the guards, and the…spirits? Many of the former prisons in Pennsylvania – some now serving as museums and others sitting abandoned – have become legends within their communities for the spine chilling events that once took place within their walls and for the spirits that are now said to roam the abandoned halls. These nine forgotten prisons in Pennsylvania will send chills down your spine:

Related Stories

This Is The Most Pennsylvania Sound You'll Ever Hear, And We Can't Stop Listening To It

This Nighttime River Float Under The Moonlight Belongs On Your Pennsylvania Bucket List

It's An Epic Adventure Hiking To A Trailside Pub In Pennsylvania

Planning a road trip to see these nine forgotten prisons in Pennsylvania? Well, while you’re planning your itinerary, be sure to consider these 10 abandoned places in Pennsylvania that are terrifyingly incredible.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Pennsylvania in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Pennsylvania!

Thank you! You will receive your first email soon.

An error occured.

Related Articles

• We Wandered Off-The-Beaten Path And Discovered This Adorable Small-Town Diner In Pennsylvania
• The Seasonal Farmers’ Market In Pennsylvania That We’re Absolutely Obsessed With
• Our Favorite Pittsburgh Diner Dishes Up Delicious Comfort Food At Some Darn Good Prices
• This Speakeasy Hidden Behind A Book Case In Pennsylvania Is Perfect For A Date Night
• Places To Stay Near Caesars Superdome In New Orleans, Louisiana
• Places To Stay Near Lucas Oil Stadium In Indianapolis, Indiana
• Here Are Our 13 Favorite Eco-Friendly Travel Items To Celebrate Earth Day
• Here Are The 14 Most Unique Beaches In The United States

'Pure evil': Pennsylvania nurse connected to 17 patient deaths sentenced to hundreds of years

Heather pressdee was able to avoid the death penalty when she pleaded guilty to three counts of 1st-degree murder and other charges. the 41-year-old will spend the rest of her life behind bars..

A Pennsylvania nurse connected to the deaths of 17 patients who were given fatal doses of insulin was sentenced Thursday to hundreds of years behind bars.

Heather Pressdee of Natrona Heights pleaded guilty in a Butler County courtroom to three counts of first-degree murder and 19 counts of criminal attempt to commit murder, Attorney General Michelle Henry's office said in a news release .

Presdee, 41, was a nurse at Quality Life Services in before her arrest in May 2023.

Pressdee's crimes began in 2020, with her administering "lethal and potentially lethal doses of insulin" to at least 22 patients at facilities Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler and Westmoreland counties, prosecutors said. Seventeen of the patients "died very soon" or "sometime later" after receiving the insulin doses, according to Henry's office.

'This plea and life sentence will not bring back the lives lost'

Pressdee will be incarcerated for three consecutive life sentences after pleading to the three counts of first-degree murder, plus an additional 380 to 760 years of consecutive jail time for the 19 counts of criminal attempt to commit murder, according to prosecutors.

“The defendant used her position of trust as a means to poison patients who depended on her for care,” Henry said in a statement. “This plea and life sentence will not bring back the lives lost, but it will ensure Heather Pressdee never has another opportunity to inflict further harm. I offer my sincere sympathy to all who have suffered at this defendant’s hands."

Relatives of Pressdee's victims spoke during the registered nurse's sentencing hearing and said they experienced "pain and anguish caused by learning their loved one’s death was not natural, but was caused by a criminal act," Henry's office said.

"She's pure evil," said Melinda Brown, the sister of victim Nicholas Cymbol, according to WTAE-TV of Pittsburgh . "There's no justice for this. We'll get justice when she meets her maker."

Elizabeth Simons Ozella, daughter of victim Irene Simons, told the station that unlike some other victim family members, she will never forgive Pressdee.

"We're angry and hurt that she disguised herself as a caring nurse," she said. "She took someone from this earth that she had no right to take, and she played God when she didn't have that right."

How did Heather Pressdee get caught?

Henry became aware of Pressdee's crimes when her office received a referral in late 2022 regarding a patient under the nurse's care, according to Henry's office. A "comprehensive investigation" ensued and revealed the "numerous deaths" caused by Pressdee's actions.

Pennsylvania state records show Pressdee's registered nurse license was issued on July 31, 2018, and was going to expire at the end of October 2023. The license was renewed in August 2021 and marked active on the Pennsylvania Department of State website in May 2023 before Pressdee's arrest.

Pressdee was also disciplined at 11 former nursing jobs in Western Pennsylvania for "abusive behavior toward patients or staff, and either resigned or was fired from each facility," according to the initial criminal complaint obtained by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review .

Charges against Pressdee were filed in May and November 2023, prosecutors said. Presdee remained incarcerated in Butler County prison since being arrested in her home.

'A very emotional day'

The initial goal for Pressdee's attorneys, Phil DiLucente and James DePasquale, was to avoid the death penalty, which their client did on Thursday.

"This was very hard to accomplish with this many deaths and attempted murder charges that either resulted in death or impairment," DiLucente told USA TODAY.

Before Pressdee had legal counsel, DiLucente said his client "wanted to confess and wanted to show contrition" regarding her crimes.

"Today is a very emotional day," the attorney said. "There's a tremendous amount of sad stories that were given by the victims' family members ... and Mrs. Pressdee did shed a tear several times, as well as apologize at the very end in front of an open court."

While a lot of family members didn't forgive Pressdee for her crimes, some did, which DiLucente said he and DePasquale did not expect.

"That's a little bit different than typical cases we handle," the attorney said.

Heather Pressdee believed 'she was helping'

Pressdee at one time "truly believed" that "she was helping" her patients, DiLucente said.

Before becoming a nurse, Pressdee worked in a veterinary clinic and her job was to euthanize animals, according to the attorney.

Pressdee believed she was ending the suffering of a lot of people by doing what she did, but now "she knows that that's not the case and she apologized for her actions," DiLucente said.

Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund/ USA TODAY

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Former Pennsylvania Nurse Gets Life Sentence in Insulin Deaths

Heather Pressdee, 41, admitted to trying to kill 19 patients by administering excessive amounts of insulin, prosecutors said. She pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and other charges.

By Remy Tumin

A former Pennsylvania nurse who admitted that she administered excessive doses of insulin to nearly two dozen patients, 17 of whom died, was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday after pleading guilty to murder and other charges.

The former nurse, Heather Pressdee, 41, administered high doses of insulin to 22 patients at five rehabilitation centers across Pennsylvania between 2020 and 2023, prosecutors said. The patients she was accused of mistreating ranged in age from 43 to 104.

Ms. Pressdee was initially charged in May 2023 with killing two nursing home patients and injuring a third. But in November, the state attorney general’s office came forward with additional charges after prosecutors said Ms. Pressdee admitted to trying to kill a total of 19 patients.

According to the attorney general’s office, first-degree murder charges were filed against Ms. Pressdee only in cases where “physical evidence” was available. Attempted-murder charges were filed, it said, in cases where “the victims either survived the excessive dosage of insulin, or the cause of death could not be determined.”

At her arraignment in November, Ms. Pressdee’s lawyer, Phillip P. DiLucente, said his goal was to avoid the death penalty. Capital punishment is legal though rarely used in Pennsylvania.

Ms. Pressdee pleaded guilty on Thursday to three counts of first-degree murder and 19 counts of attempted murder. As part of the plea agreement, she was sentenced to three consecutive terms of life in prison and another consecutive prison term of 380 to 760 years on the attempted murder charges, the attorney general’s office said in a statement.

“The defendant used her position of trust as a means to poison patients who depended on her for care,” the attorney general, Michelle Henry, said in the statement. “This plea and life sentence will not bring back the lives lost, but it will ensure Heather Pressdee never has another opportunity to inflict further harm.”

In a criminal complaint filed in November, prosecutors said Ms. Pressdee administered excessive amounts of insulin to patients, usually during overnight shifts when staffing was low.

Some patients were diabetic, others were not. If a patient did not die, Ms. Pressdee would take additional measures to kill the person, by administering a second dose of insulin or through “the use of an air embolism,” when one or more air bubbles blocks a vein or artery, according to the complaint.

Prosecutors detailed a history of troubling statements Ms. Pressdee made on social media and in conversations with colleagues, including “When is she going to die already?”

In a separate wrongful death lawsuit, staff members at one nursing home noticed that Ms. Pressdee had exhibited “troubling behavior” and that the health of patients in her care would “unexpectedly deteriorate.”

Several staff members, the lawsuit states, began referring to her as the Killer Nurse.

Mr. DiLucente did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Local news reports said families of Ms. Pressdee’s victims packed a Butler County courtroom on Thursday to provide victim impact statements.

“There’s no justice for this,” Melinda Brown, whose brother, Nicholas Cymbol, 43, was among Ms. Pressdee’s victims, told the ABC affiliate WTAE on Thursday . “She’ll get justice when she meets her maker.”

Remy Tumin is a reporter for The Times covering breaking news and other topics. More about Remy Tumin

Penn. man, 76, allegedly kills wife and daughter while cleaning gun, says he's 'best of the best' at shooting

A Pennsylvania man who allegedly shot and killed his own wife and daughter told police he was the "best of the best" when it came to his abilities with a firearm, ABC 6 reported. 

Roger Hanks, 76, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and related offenses in the deaths of Judith Hanks, 75, and Emily Hanks, 37, in their East Marlborough Township home on Thursday. 

Hanks told police he got into an argument with his wife while cleaning his Smith & Wesson 2.0 9 mm handgun, FOX 43 reported, and told her "if you keep up this thing is going to go off on you." 

He then allegedly pointed his gun at her and told her that "if she did not shut up and leave him alone that he was going to 'plug' her,'" according to court documents reviewed by ABC 6 Philadelphia. 

COLORADO MOM SUZANNE MORPHEW'S AUTOPSY RESULTS REVEAL CAUSE, MANNER OF DEATH

His wife told him that he "doesn't do anything" and "just sits in his chair," Hanks told police, and was upset that he wasn't eating the food she'd prepared for him. 

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

He claims that he pointed his gun at his wife's chest and it "went off," the document shows. 

3 LOUISIANA OFFICERS WOUNDED BY GUNFIRE IN STANDOFF WITH SHOOTING SUSPECT, POLICE SAY

When his wife fell down, Hanks said, his daughter "went into a rage" and "came at him" - so he pointed the gun at her chest and it "went off" again, he said, per documents reviewed by the outlet. 

Hanks added that he frequently shoots at competition and is the "best of the best" when it comes to marksmanship. 

He told police he drank two German beers and an Irish whiskey earlier in the day. Hanks' gun and two spent shell casings were found at the scene, the outlet reported. 

After shooting the pair, he reportedly called a friend and told them his wife "went crazy" and that he had shot her, prompting the call recipient to contact police, according to FOX 43.

CHICAGO POLICE IS SUSPECT WANTED IN MURDER OF OFFICER LUIS HUESCA, OFFER $100K REWARD

Police arriving at the scene around 6:15 p.m. found the mother and daughter lying unresponsive in their kitchen - they were pronounced dead at 6:50 p.m. and 6:58 p.m. at an area hospital, the outlet reported. 

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Court documents show Hanks is being held without bail at Chester County Prison. 

"[Hanks] senselessly shot and killed his family because of a basic dispute," District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said in a press release announcing the charges. "It is unfathomable that anyone would react this way. I want to thank the Pennsylvania State Police who acted quickly and arrested the defendant after being dispatched to the scene."

Original article source: Penn. man, 76, allegedly kills wife and daughter while cleaning gun, says he's 'best of the best' at shooting

Morgan Wallen could be facing a lengthy prison sentence. Here’s the latest

• Published: Apr. 28, 2024, 5:00 a.m.

FILE - In this June 5, 2019, file photo, Morgan Wallen arrives at the CMT Music Awards on at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. Wallen has been arrested after police say he threw a chair off the rooftop of a newly opened six-story bar in downtown Nashville. Wallen, 30, was booked into jail early Monday, April 8, 2024 on three felony counts of reckless endangerment and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct, Metro Nashville Police tweeted. (AP Photo/Sanford Myers, File) AP

• Brian Linder | [email protected]

Morgan Wallen has broken his silence following his arrest in Nashville early this month, and he returned to the stage this past week, too.

The country music star reportedly performed 25 songs during his concert stop in Oxford, Mississippi last week and he referenced his current troubles.

“I got this set up here behind me, these flags are from my high school, and it represents something,” he reportedly said. “I had a coach, I played baseball, his name was Coach Davidson.”

• WANT MORE COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS? CLICK HERE.

That’s when Wallen said that he almost got kicked off the team when he was a junior.

“I was a ‘lil rowdy back then,” he said. “I guess I’m still a little rowdy now.”

This came after Wallen checked in on social media on April 19 with a statement.

• Meet Pa.’s billionaires: The state’s 20 richest people in 2024 and how they made their money
• Taylor Swift lands on Forbes’ list of top earning entertainers. Here’s how much the Pa. native made
• Country music world mourns another loss in what has been a heartbreaking year
• Country music stars who fans may not see again after 2024
• Toby Keith was among country music’s richest singers. Here’s where his net worth ranked in the top 10

“I didn’t feel right publicly checking in until I made amends with some folks,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “I’ve touched base with Nashville law enforcement, my family, and the good people at Chief’s. I’m not proud of my behavior, and I accept responsibility.

“I have the utmost respect for the officers working every day to keep us all safe,” he added. “Regarding my tour, there will be no change.”

While he may have joked about his situation some during that first concert back, it looks like the charges Wallen is facing are no laughing matter.

Wallen, one of country music’s brightest stars, is reportedly facing three felony charges following an incident at fellow country music star Eric Church’s bar.

Nashville police say they were standing in front of Chief’s Bar on Broadway when a chair fell from the roof, six stories above, and landed just feet away from them.

They said staff at the bar told them Wallen threw the chair from the sixth floor, and that a review of video showed the singer throwing something off the roof. Police said witnesses said Wallen was laughing after they say he threw the chair off the building.

He was reportedly charged with disorderly conduct, danger to the public and three counts of reckless endangerment.

Per the PEOPLE report , because the chair landed so close to the officers and because of Wallen’s fame, his case is complicated. It reported that each of his felony charges “Could carry one to two years in prison.”

• Brantley Gilbert played key role in helping save fellow country music star’s life
• Half of country music star duo on reuniting: ‘I don’t want it back’
• Legendary singer/songwriter has found verse to hit song that has been lost for 50 years

That means he could face up to six years, but criminal defense attorney David Raybin told PEOPLE the chances he serves those sentences consecutively are remote.

“It’s based on prior record and extreme dangerousness of the offense: professional, criminal, sex offense,” he told PEOPLE. “Generally speaking, this would not be consecutive.”

Raybin told PEOPLE the obvious, though.

This is a serious deal for Wallen.

“It’s probably a maximum of two years assuming he was not put on probation,” he said.

The danger to the officers does not work in his favor, either, Raybin said.

“That chair could have fallen on them, and they could have been killed,” he told PEOPLE.

“The question is going to be, because he’s a celebrity, should he be treated differently, either too lightly or too harshly?” he added.

Raybin said Wallen could also face “split confinement.”

“Which is some modest amount of incarceration to say, ‘This is just wrong,’ and then the rest on probation,” he said. “I don’t see him going to jail for two years, but I don’t see him getting a completely probated sentence either.

“This is a really serious thing,” he added. “It’s the risk that’s punishable, not actually what happened.”

More country music news

• Country music legend lands major role with Kentucky Derby
• Country music legend’s heartbreaking post has fans sending prayers
• Son of country music legend remains in hospital battling life-threatening issue, prayers requested
• Country music star reveals he died twice after recent collapse, makes promise to fans

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

18-year-old York City man sentenced to 45 years in prison for 2021 killing: DA

Alexis Cado-Suero, 18, of York City, guilty of first-degree murder for the shooting death of 16-year-old Tyree Smart in 2021, has been sentenced to 45 years to life in prison, according to the  York County District Attorney's Office.

In January, a York County jury found Cado-Suero, who was 15 years old at the time of the murder, guilty of first-degree murder and guilty of possession of a firearm by a minor.

March 2021 shooting

On March 27, 2021, York City Police were dispatched to the 300 block of West Newton Avenue for a reported shooting.

Upon arrival, police found Smart lying with an apparent gunshot wound and  discovered two 9mm casings near his body and eight casings  at the northeast corner of Brooklyn and West Newton avenues.

More: 18-year-old York City man found guilty of first-degree murder in 2021 shooting

Surveillance footage was later obtained, showing Smart walking with two other males across Brooklyn Avenue when they appear to be looking north and then running at the same time shots ring out.

One male ran south on Brooklyn Avenue and the other two ran east on West Newton Avenue.

Court documents stated that while on scene, police observed a crowd of people gathered. It was overheard that there was an Instagram live video regarding the homicide and that a person by the name of "Cado" had done it.

Police later interviewed four witnesses, each of whom witnessed the scene, following the shooting. Two days later, Smart's mother was interviewed by police and advised that she was told that Cado-Suero shot her son.

Police obtained a search warrant for the home and seized a cell phone, on which law enforcement then discovered a video of Cado-Suero  holding a 9mm handgun, and a photo of him wearing the same clothes as the shooter.

One month later, the York County District Attorney’s Office took the rare step of asking a judge to  seal the arrest warrant for 15-year-old Cado-Suero who was charged with criminal homicide .

• Entertainment
• KSAT Insider
• Newsletters

San Antonio man who shot, killed a 15-year-old boy sentenced to 30 years in prison, per plea deal

Zachary vargas also sentenced in aggravated kidnapping case.

Erica Hernandez , Courthouse Reporter

Misael Gomez , Photojournalist

SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man who was charged in five cases, including the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy, was sentenced Tuesday to 30 years in prison.

Zachary Vargas is charged with murder in connection with the Jan. 25, 2021 fatal shooting of Marqhael Ross .

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Ross went to Vargas’ home in the 500 block of Belcross near West Commerce Street and approached him in the front yard. A physical altercation erupted and one of them pulled out a gun.

Surveillance footage showed that the two men fought over the gun, which discharged on the ground. Both men fell to the ground, but Vargas then stood up and pointed the gun at Ross, who was still laying down, police said.

Vargas fired a shot at Ross but appeared to have missed, the surveillance footage showed.

Ross, who appeared to be injured, tried to flee on foot but Vargas then shot him in the back, police said. Ross later died at University Hospital.

Before his arrest on the murder charge, Vargas was charged in an aggravated kidnapping case. While he was in jail, he was also charged with possession of a prohibited substance.

During a courtroom appearance on Tuesday, Vargas pleaded no contest to the aggravated kidnapping and murder charges, and per a plea deal was sentenced 30 years on each charge, which will run concurrently. The state dismissed the other three charges per the plea deal.

Vargas is eligible for parole in 15 years.

Copyright 2024 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

About the Authors

Erica hernandez.

Erica Hernandez is an Emmy award-winning journalist with 15 years of experience in the broadcast news business. Erica has covered a wide array of stories all over Central and South Texas. She's currently the court reporter and cohost of the podcast Texas Crime Stories.

Misael Gomez

Misael started at KSAT-TV as a photojournalist in 1987.

Recommended Videos