This Drone Footage Of The West Virginia Penitentiary Is Truly Chilling
Katherine
Author
The retired West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville has called the Alcatraz of the Eastern United States. This gothic-style historic prison in West Virginia operated from 1876 until 1995, but is currently a tourist attraction and a training facility. This historic spot looks almost like a church or a castle from the outside, but its interior tells of its past horrors.
During its operation, the prison was supported by working inmates. They performed jobs in bakeries, hospitals, stoneyards, and other places, earning revenue that kept the prison in tip-top shape. However, conditions eventually worsened, and the prison grew deadly; 94 prisoners were executed there. It was also the site of 36 homicides. One of the more notable deaths was that of R.D. Wall, inmate number 44670 in 1929. After “snitching” on his fellow prisoners, Wall was attacked by three inmates with shivs as he made his way to a boiler room.
This historic prison in West Virginia was the site of a prison break in 1979, when 15 inmates got away. One of the prisoners killed an off-duty state trooper in the process. It closed in 1995, after other riots and escapes dampened its reputation further. Today, this spot where many men were hanged and others met their fate with electric chair “Old Sparky” is more of a tourist destination.
Tours of the penitentiary are, in fact, available, but thanks to this drone footage, you don’t have to go to Moundsville to get a look around the place. Check out this amazing footage by YouTube user Greg Cox:
Just imagine if walls could talk at this historic prison in West Virginia. Some would insist that the building is, indeed, somewhat haunted… and that spirits of yesteryear continue to live out the day-to-day horrors of life in prison. Have you ever visited this fascinating spot? Do you think it might be haunted? Tell us about your thoughts and experiences at West Virginia Penitentiary in the comments!
Can’t get enough of West Virginia history? Take a virtual visit to some of the best landmarks in the state for more fun.
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More to Explore
Historic Prison In West Virginia
What are the creepiest places in West Virginia?
There is definitely a lot of history at the old Moundsville Prison, but there are many creepy places in West Virginia. The local lunatic asylum, Lake Shawnee abandoned amusement park, and Darkish Knob hill are just a few of the spooky places in the state.
What is the most haunted place in West Virgina?
One could argue that the most haunted destination in West Virginia is the aforementioned asylum, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston. In addition to being one of the largest hand-cut stone buildings in the world, it is said to be home to oodles of resident spirits that passed in its sorrowful halls.
Can I go ghost hunting in West Virginia?
You sure can! Start testing your paranormal skills on the West Virginia haunted places road trip.