15 Haunted Prisons in America That Will Give You Chills
Haunted prisons are some of the most intriguing and spine-chilling locations for urban explorers. These facilities were once home to some of the most dangerous criminals and inmates who lived in appalling conditions that made them restless even after death. Today, these abandoned prisons are a source of fascination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts.
1. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia:
Eastern State Penitentiary was opened in 1829 with the intention to reform prisoners through solitary confinement but instead became a place where inmates lost their sanity due to the prolonged isolation from other humans. The prison is now abandoned, but visitors report hearing strange voices and seeing apparitions wandering around its halls.
2. Alcatraz Island Prison, California:
Located on an island off San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz is famous for being one of America’s most notorious federal penitentiaries housing infamous criminals like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Visitors often report feeling cold spots, hearing footsteps and moaning sounds echoing throughout the corridors.
3. West Virginia Penitentiary, Moundsville:
This gothic-style prison was built in 1866 and operated until 1995 when it was closed down due to overcrowding issues. The building has since become a popular spot for ghost hunters who claim to have witnessed shadowy figures walking around or heard unexplainable noises coming from empty cells.
4. Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield:
The Ohio State Reformatory was built in 1886 as a place where young offenders could be reformed through hard labor rather than punishment. Today it’s famous for being used as Shawshank Prison in “The Shawshank Redemption”. Visitors have reported experiencing unusual smells, hearing voices whispering their names or feeling touched by unseen hands.
5. Missouri State Penitentiary, Jefferson City:
Missouri State Penitentiary operated for over 168 years before closing down permanently in 2004. Visitors report seeing apparitions of former inmates, hearing unexplainable sounds, and feeling cold spots throughout the prison.
6. Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, Tennessee:
Located in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, Brushy Mountain was notorious for being one of America’s most brutal prisons during its operation from 1896 to 2009. The prison is now abandoned but visitors have reported hearing ghostly footsteps and strange voices while exploring its halls.
7. Tennessee State Prison, Nashville:
Built-in 1898 as a state penitentiary and closed down in 1992 due to overcrowding issues. Many prisoners died here due to poor living conditions such as lack of food and water or medical care. Visitors have reported hearing crying or screaming coming from the empty cells or seeing apparitions wearing old-fashioned clothes.
8. Joliet Correctional Center, Illinois:
Opened in 1858 and operated until 2002 when it was finally shut down after numerous problems with overcrowding and safety concerns regarding the aging facility were brought up by officials who eventually decided that it would be best if they demolished it rather than continue trying to maintain this dilapidated building which had become an eyesore on their community.
9. Old Montana Prison Complex, Deer Lodge:
This prison complex is famous for being one of the toughest maximum-security facilities in America during its operation from 1871-1979. Visitors report feeling like they’re being watched by unseen entities while walking through its halls or seeing shadowy figures lurking around corners.
10. Moundsville Penitentiary, West Virginia:
Moundsville Penitentiary has been closed since 1995 but still remains a popular location for paranormal enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of ghosts wandering through its corridors late at night.
11: San Quentin State Prison California
San Quentin opened back in July of 1852 housing some of the deadliest criminals in the United States. Visitors have reported hearing unexplainable sounds, feeling cold spots and seeing apparitions of former inmates watching them.
12: Montana State Prison Deer Lodge
This prison was built in 1871 and operated for over 100 years before closing down permanently in 1979. Visitors report seeing shadowy figures walking through its halls or hearing ghostly footsteps when no one else is around.
13: The Ohio Penitentiary Columbus
The Ohio Penitentiary was built-in 1834 and operated until it closed down in 1984 due to overcrowding issues. Visitors report experiencing strange smells, hearing unusual noises like footsteps with no one around or feeling touched by unseen hands while exploring this haunted facility.
14: The Wyoming Frontier Prison Rawlins
Built-in 1901, this prison housed some of the most dangerous criminals in America until it finally closed down in May of 1981 after being plagued by overcrowding issues for decades. Visitors have reported feeling cold spots throughout its halls or seeing apparitions lurking around corners late at night.
15: Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary Kansas
Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary opened back in August of 1895 famous for housing some notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Ghost hunters claim to have witnessed shadowy figures walking through its corridors or heard unexplainable sounds late at night.
In conclusion, these abandoned prisons are a testament to human suffering and despair, which makes them perfect locations for ghost hunting enthusiasts looking for spine-chilling experiences beyond their wildest imaginations. However, visitors should exercise caution when visiting these sites as they can be dangerous due to decaying structures that may collapse without warning or other hazards that could cause serious injury if not approached carefully.