The Haunting of Alcatraz Island: Spirits Behind the Bars

Photo: Wikipedia

San Francisco Bay, California — Few places in America have a reputation as chilling and mysterious as Alcatraz Island. Known as "The Rock," this isolated former prison is more than just a symbol of America's most hardened criminals — it's a place steeped in sorrow, isolation, and ghostly whispers from the past.

Originally used as a military fort, Alcatraz became a federal prison in 1934 and quickly gained notoriety for its strict rules and escape-proof location. It held some of the most infamous inmates in U.S. history — including Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz." But not all who entered left. Some died by suicide. Others in failed escape attempts. And some — if stories are to be believed — never left at all.

Visitors, staff, and even skeptics have reported eerie experiences while touring the abandoned prison. Cold spots, strange voices, footsteps in empty halls, and the sound of sobbing or clinking chains have all been noted, particularly in Cell Block D — also known as "the Hole" — where prisoners were kept in total darkness for days at a time.

One of the most famous ghost tales involves cell 14D. A prisoner reportedly screamed all night about a creature with glowing eyes. By morning, he was dead — strangled in a locked cell. Guards joked it was the Grim Reaper. Others weren’t so sure.

Al Capone, once a proud and arrogant gangster, reportedly feared he was being haunted by someone he had wronged. He begged guards to protect him from a ghost he said followed him everywhere, even while he played banjo in the prison shower.

Even the Native Americans who briefly occupied the island during a protest in the 1960s claimed the land was cursed, long before it became a penitentiary. They reported evil spirits and a darkness that made many of them refuse to stay overnight.

Today, Alcatraz is a popular tourist attraction run by the National Park Service, but its haunted reputation draws more than just history buffs. Paranormal investigators from around the world have explored the crumbling cells, hoping to capture evidence of what might still linger behind those iron bars.

With its chilling energy, brutal past, and endless ghost stories, Alcatraz remains one of America's most haunted locations. It’s a place where silence speaks volumes — and the spirits may never stop pacing their cells.

Visitor Info

• Location: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay, CA
• Managed by: National Park Service
• Tours: Ferry tours depart daily from Pier 33, San Francisco
• Phone: (415) 561-4900
• Website: https://www.nps.gov/alca/

The Haunting of the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Eastern State Penitentiary

Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

Photo Wikipedia

Towering like a fortress in the heart of Philadelphia, Eastern State Penitentiary is one of America’s most infamous historic prisons — and one of its most haunted. Built in 1829, the penitentiary was the first of its kind to implement the "Pennsylvania system," which emphasized strict solitary confinement as a means of penitence and spiritual reform. What began as a vision of moral rehabilitation became a nightmare of isolation, madness, and inhumanity.

The prison’s gloomy Gothic architecture alone is enough to send shivers down the spine, with vaulted ceilings, steel cell doors, and long corridors that seem to stretch endlessly into shadow. It once housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone and bank robber Willie Sutton. Capone’s lavishly decorated cell still sits preserved, a stark contrast to the barren stone chambers surrounding it.

Over the decades, thousands of inmates endured silence, darkness, and despair within the crumbling walls. Some went mad, others died in their cells, and many believe their spirits never left. Guards and visitors have reported disembodied whispers, ghostly figures, sudden cold spots, and strange shadows darting between the cells. The infamous Cellblock 12 is said to echo with maniacal laughter, while Cellblock 4 is home to ghostly footsteps and the presence of unseen eyes watching from the dark.

Paranormal investigators from across the globe have explored Eastern State, many claiming overwhelming spiritual energy, EVPs, and chilling encounters with former prisoners who have yet to move on. It’s consistently ranked as one of the most haunted locations in the United States.

Today, Eastern State Penitentiary stands as a museum and historic site, drawing both history buffs and ghost hunters alike. During the Halloween season, it transforms into “Terror Behind the Walls,” a massive haunted attraction — but the real spirits don’t need costumes or makeup.

Whether you're fascinated by the brutal past of American incarceration or drawn to the spectral energy lingering in the ruins, Eastern State remains a chilling testament to punishment, pain, and restless souls.

👻 Visiting Information

Address: 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Phone: (215) 236-3300

Website: easternstate.org

Open to the public with guided and self-guided tours available. Seasonal events and haunted attractions offered during Halloween. Advance tickets recommended for special events.

Photo Wikipedia

The Haunting of the West Virginia State Penitentiary

WV State Penitentiary –Marshall County, Moundsville, West Virginia

Photograph ©Tim Kiser, Wiki User: Malepheasant

Commencing its construction in 1866, the West Virginia State Penitentiary owes its existence to the division of West Virginia from Virginia during the Civil War era. The inaugural structure, the North Wagon Gate building, saw completion in 1876, thanks to the labor of one hundred and fifty inmates. Upon opening its doors, the imposing prison enclosed around two hundred and fifty inmates within its formidable five-foot thick walls.

The penitentiary stands as a daunting Gothic-style structure, adorned with castle-like turrets and towering 24-foot high walls. Its eerie ambiance is unmistakable, even without the spectral company that reportedly haunts its corridors.

The prison's planning was as impressive as its architecture. Inmates, as part of their rehabilitation, constructed the prison itself. The facility's self-sufficiency was enhanced by in-house shops, including a brickyard, bakery, and carpentry shop, providing inmates opportunities to earn their keep.

In 1929, a significant expansion project doubled the prison's size, a venture completed in 1959. Until then, severe overcrowding prevailed, with prisoners triple-bunked in 5 X 7 cells.

The prison's grim history includes numerous executions, deaths from illnesses, overcapacity issues, and riots. Executions began in 1899, with eighty-five men hanged from the gallows. The electric chair claimed nine more lives from 1951 to 1959. In 1959, the death penalty was abolished, but the residual effects lingered, contributing to reported paranormal activities.

Visitors have recounted being touched, shoved, or spoken to by unseen entities. Others have sensed an intangible presence or the disconcerting feeling of being watched. Three prominent spirits are frequently reported: an unnamed former maintenance man, Robert (a deceased inmate), and Arvil Adkins, a man who experienced an ill-fated hanging twice.

The maintenance man met a tragic end when cornered and fatally stabbed by inmates in a restroom. Witnesses claim to see his full-bodied apparition, seemingly oblivious to the living—a possible residual haunting.

Robert, a former inmate, is believed to have suffered abuse at the hands of guards, leading to his death. His angry spirit reportedly unsettles visitors within the prison walls.

The haunting tale of Arvil Adkins involves a failed hanging attempt, resulting in a severe head injury. Guards made a chilling decision to re-hang him, ultimately causing his death. Witnesses claim to see his restless spirit wandering the gallows.

In 1995, the prison closed its doors to inmates. Today, guided tours are offered from March through November, providing visitors with a potential firsthand encounter with the lingering apparitions of the West Virginia State Penitentiary. The mere sight of the prison carries an aura of dread, especially for those familiar with firsthand accounts from former inmates.

Address:
818 Jefferson Avenue
Moundsville, WV 26041
(304) 845-6200
Website

The Haunting of the Crown Point Sheriff's House

The Crown Point Sheriff's House – Lake County, Crown Point, Indiana

Photograph ©Crown Point.Net

I think the picture says a lot; from the building’s Second Empire architecture to the old eerie tree on the right, it just has that creepy and sinister look to it.

Constructed in the year 1882, the historic building served as the residence for elected sheriffs until the year 1958. A significant addition in the form of a two-story jail was made to the rear of the structure in 1926, aptly named the Lake County Jail.

One of the most notable incidents associated with this jail involved the infamous John Dillinger. On March 3rd, 1934, Dillinger orchestrated a legendary escape from what was considered an "escape-proof" jail in Crown Point. In a remarkable feat, he utilized a wooden gun cleverly coated in black shoe polish.

While Dillinger's criminal escapades continued, a notable interruption occurred on November 27, 1934, when authorities finally caught up with him. A fierce gun battle ensued between the Dillinger Gang and the police, resulting in all gang members managing to escape. During this confrontation, "Baby Face" Nelson sustained gunshot wounds that ultimately led to his demise. Despite being shot seventeen times, Nelson miraculously escaped but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. In a display of loyalty, the Dillinger Gang left Nelson's body near a Cemetery in Skokie.

The pursuit of John Dillinger resumed on July 22, 1934, when FBI agents, armed with information from Dillinger's girlfriend, located him. The FBI, under the impression that Dillinger was to be shot on sight, fired three shots at him from behind. Dillinger met his end in front of the Biograph Theater, where he had just attended a film with his girlfriend.

The notoriety of the "escape-proof" Lake County Jail persisted, and today, the Crown Point Chamber of Commerce organizes tours of the old Sheriff's house, allowing visitors to delve into its rich history.

Beyond the historical tales, the building is believed to house lingering spirits. In the jail section, eerie phenomena have been reported, including the inexplicable opening and closing of cell doors. Witnesses have also attested to the rattling of bars in these cells when no living being is present. Adding to the mystique, phantom footsteps echo through the corridors, electrical appliances and lights exhibit spontaneous activation, and numerous individuals claim to have heard voices emanating from empty cells. The legacy of the Lake County Jail thus transcends its historical significance, captivating the imagination with tales of both daring escapes and supernatural occurrences.

 
Address:
226 South Main Street
Crown Point, Indiana 46307

The Haunting of the Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Old Idaho State Penitentiary – Ada County, Boise, Idaho

Photograph ©Boise State University

The construction of the Old Idaho State Prison commenced in 1870, initially with a modest building. As the years passed, the prison expanded with the addition of numerous structures, culminating in the construction of a maximum-security building that also served as the location for the gallows on its upper floor.

Over the course of a century, the prison housed over thirteen thousand inmates and witnessed several tumultuous events, including multiple riots within its formidable walls. The final riot occurred in 1973, lasting over three hours and resulting in $100,000 worth of damages. Subsequently, this incident marked the closure of the penitentiary, prompting the relocation of inmates to a new facility. The Old Idaho State Prison was then recognized and added to the National Registry of Historical Places.

Amidst the various buildings of the prison, reports of paranormal activities abound. Visitors often experience an overwhelming sense of dread, intensifying as they approach the executioners' area. The catwalks above and staircases within the prison are said to echo with phantom footsteps, creating an eerie atmosphere. Additionally, the prison alarm has been known to activate inexplicably.

Numerous individuals, both visitors and staff, have recounted hearing voices during their walks through the buildings or across the grounds. Some even claim to have felt physical contact, such as being touched or shoved from behind. The Old Idaho State Prison is reputed for hosting full-bodied apparitions and shadowy figures, contributing to the pervasive feeling of being under observation reported by most guests. The rich history and paranormal occurrences make this historical site a fascinating and, for some, an unsettling destination.

Address:
2445 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, Idaho 83712

The Haunting of the Ohio State Reformatory

Ohio State Reformatory – Richland County, Mansfield, Ohio

Photograph ©Susan@Streamlets

Don’t let the picture above fool you, the Ohio State Reformatory is within the top five largest prisons in the United States of America. The Ohio State Reformatory, however, stands as a colossus among the top five largest prisons in the United States. A mastermind named Levi Scofield envisioned and designed this architectural marvel, with its exterior resembling a fortress and the interior echoing the sacred ambiance of a church. Levi's visionary intent was to inspire incarcerated souls to cast away their malevolent paths and embrace the righteousness of God. Today, this sprawling two hundred and fifty-thousand-square-foot prison serves as a museum, offering visitors three distinctive tours that unravel the secrets held within its walls.

The roots of this imposing structure stretch back to the Civil War era when the land, now occupied by the reformatory, lay bare. Union soldiers utilized this very ground for Camp Mordecai Bartley, a training camp chosen for its strategically positioned natural springs. Post-war, the site witnessed the construction of a reform school for boys. Eventually, in the early nineteenth century, the institution transformed into a federal prison, welcoming inmates from all corners of the nation. However, the early '90s witnessed the emergence of a new prison behind the reformatory, leading to the relocation of its inmates.

By 1995, the Ohio State Reformatory stood desolate, a vast emptiness that found purpose as a cinematic backdrop in renowned films like Shawshank Redemption and Air Force One. In 1996, the Preservation Society breathed new life into the abandoned structure, orchestrating tours to generate funds for the restoration of other historic buildings on the property. Presently, the Preservation Society holds custodianship of the reformatory, shielding it from the ravages of time, ensuring its preservation for generations yet to come.

Beyond its identity as a tourist attraction, the Ohio State Reformatory reveals itself as a magnet for spirits, the echoes of lives lost within its confines lingering on the land.

Within the East Administration Building, whispers of disembodied voices reverberate from the former warden's quarters. Former Warden Glattke and his wife seem to engage in heated arguments, their spectral presence extending to various locations, including the Administration Wing, the courtyard, and several hallways. Mrs. Glattke, often found in her former abode, known as the White Room, brings with her the transient fragrance of roses, a scent that materializes and vanishes abruptly. Startlingly, Mrs. Glattke has communicated with the living, her voice captured on tape, a spectral testament to her lingering presence.

Negative energies seem to converge in the chapel and the west wing shower room, where apparitions of men appear, perhaps still seeking reconciliation with the divine. The shower room witnesses sightings of full-bodied apparitions and vaporous mists materializing and dissipating mysteriously.

In the cell blocks, some spirits, unbound by the physical realm, made their presence known in a more tangible manner. Two female paranormal investigators reported encounters with disembodied hands, shoulders held back, and hands gently guiding one up a flight of stairs. The eerie touch extended to playful tickling on the neck. Others who ventured into the reformatory faced unseen forces blowing in their faces, attempting to choke, shove, hit, punch, and even hurl them down staircases.

Behind the charming Queen Anne/Victorian Gothic exterior lies a realm of foreboding and fright within the walls of this aging prison. While some apparitions bear no malice, others harbor hate, seeking vengeance against any who dare trespass upon their spectral domain. The Ohio State Reformatory stands not only as a monument to architectural prowess but also as a haunted testament to the echoes of history that refuse to fade away.

Address:
100 Reformatory Road
Mansfield, Ohio 44905
(419) 522-2644
Website

The Haunting of the Burlington Prison

Burlington Prison Museum – Burlington County, Mount Holly, New Jersey

Photograph ©Dan Beards

Built in 1811 and designed by Robert Mills, this prison was used until 1983 when a new prison was constructed elsewhere to hold more inmates. In 1999, renovations began on the old prison to create a museum for the public.

During the renovations, workmen reported feeling uneasy if they were left alone in the building. These workers even began leaving earlier in the day to avoid being alone. The workmen claimed that while they were alone, they had heard the sounds of voices, screaming and other unexplainable noises. They also reported that their tools would just “vanish” and then turn up in areas where they had not been working at the time.

Officials called in the South Jersey Ghost Research Team; this team included Dave Juliano from The Shadowlands. The paranormal investigators reported seeing an apparition in the shower area and even found a footprint in the dust.

Another apparition, believed to be that of Joel Clough who was convicted of murdering his lover, was momentarily seen sitting in the maximum security cell. After the death of Mr. Clough, prison guards during that period made reports of objects moving on their own and hearing moaning sounds and chains rattling from within the empty cell. While investigating the prison, Dave Juliano observed a stretcher that was sitting near this cell, move on its own.

The South Jersey Team also photographed many orbs within the building, as well as, recorded several interesting EVPs.

Address:
128 High Street
Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060
(609) 265-5476
(609) 518-7667
Website