Eastern State Penitentiary

See what life was like behind the castle-like walls at Eastern State Penitentiary, open since 1994 to the public. Hailed as America's most historically significant prison, construction began in 1822, and the penitentiary opened in 1829, remaining active until 1971. With 142 years as a working prison, this old correctional facility's history is as long as its inmates' "rap sheets."

Eastern State's design resembles the hub and spokes of a wheel. The guards were stationed here at the "hub," or the center as it is called (in addition to the watch towers). Jutting out from the center were the cell blocks (the spokes). With this practical setup, it was easy for guards to keep an eye on the prisoners — all they had to do was look down the blocks. Eastern State pioneered this layout, and it is estimated that over 300 prisons worldwide have emulated the penitentiary's radial floor plan.

The prison practiced a system of solitary confinement, also known as the Pennsylvania System, from 1829 until 1913 in which inmates were housed in a private cell. All communication with family and friends was cut off in the hope that the prisoner would find some inner conviction that would prevent future crimes. Jailbirds remained in their cells 23 hours a day with one hour allowed outside in a private exercise yard. Further, inmates were hooded during transit in an effort to reduce prison escapes (there were over 100 attempted escapes in the prison's 142-year history, most unsuccessful).

Perhaps the prison's most famous inmate was Al Capone. Notorious gangster Capone landed in this "big house" in 1929 for carrying concealed, unlicensed weapons, but he lived on "Easy Street" compared to other prisoners. He was given the largest cell in Eastern State, allowed to bring in his own furniture, and even to use the guard's phone. In all, Capone served only eight months of his one-year sentence. Once released, he donated a great deal of money to the prison.

That was Eastern State Penitentiary then. The prison was abandoned in 1974 and stood vacant and in ruins until it was opened to visitors in 1994. Enjoy peering into the old, deserted cells with rickety bed frames, broken toilets, and pieces of rock and rubble from 20 years of abandonment. Compare the average cell with Capone's, filled with furniture. Also worth seeing is the newly restored Alfred W. Fleisher Memorial Synagogue, which is thought to be the first in American prisons.

If you're visiting during the fall months and love to get frightened, then you'll want to see Eastern State's version of a haunted house "Terror Behind the Walls". This is not your run-of-the-mill haunted house; this massive haunted prison was featured on the Travel Channel's show "America's Scariest Halloween Attractions," and ranked the No. 1 Haunted House in America by AOL City Guide in 2008. The actors, props, and prison atmosphere are creepily scary and a new addition is "The Night Watch," where daring visitors can walk through the prison at night with only a flashlight.

Fun fact: Many people believe Eastern State Penitentiary actually is haunted. Every year, dozens of paranormal investigators visit the prison. Eastern State has appeared on many shows, including the Travel Channel's "Most Haunted," the Learn Channel's (TLC) "America's Ghost Hunters," the Sci-Fi Channel's "Ghost Hunters," and MTV's "Fear." Is it really haunted? You'll just have to find out for yourself!

Visitors have the option of a self-guided audio tour from April to November, or they can take advantage of a guided tour. The knowledgeable tour guides act as the prison walls' translators—telling stories of inmates, notable escapes, and everyday life inside the correctional facility. Don't get into any trouble while touring Eastern State and your guide may just let you out on good behavior.

During the summer months, Eastern State is open until 8 pm on Wednesday nights and offers a fun, hands-on, interactive tour for ages seven and up. The prison also has winter tours, but be forewarned: the cellblocks and other parts of the penitentiary are not heated, although you can get a free cup of hot chocolate in the center. But just remember to dress according to the weather.

To visit Eastern State Penitentiary's website, click here. The website includes information regarding tours, photos, a historic timeline, as well as an online store.

- Andrew Skwarek