The Haunting of the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Eastern State Penitentiary

Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

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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.

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The Haunting of Powel House

Powel House – Philadelphia County, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Photograph ©Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks

Built in 1765 by a man named Charles Stedman, the house was sold to Samuel Powel in 1769. Samuel Powel, good friend to George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette and Benedict Arnold, lived in the house until his death in 1793 when he perished from the dreaded Yellow Fever.

Later, the house was purchased by the Philly Preservation of Landmarks and restored. Today, the house is still standing beautifully and it has become an important part of our history.

Samuel Powel was, apparently, a very influential man and he socialized with many influential people. George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette and Benedict Arnold were not the only friends that Samuel associated with; he is said to have been friends with most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. However, the three friends named have apparently made appearances in the old home, in the forms of apparitions.

In addition to the famous spirits that have appeared within the Powel House, there has also been an unknown woman who appears more often than most. Know one knows the woman’s identity but everyone who has seen her claims that she is quite beautiful and seemingly friendly.

One man, who was touring the house, separated himself from the tour group to use the restroom on the second floor. Suddenly, all of the lights went out in the house and the man, unfamiliar with his surroundings, was forced to grope his way along the wall to find his way out of the pitch-black bathroom. Once outside of this room, the man still could not find his way in the dark. He said that suddenly he was surrounded by an icy cold air and then felt someone gently take his hand. He was then led to the stairs and then the lights came on. He found then that the hand that had been leading him belonged to a very beautiful woman dressed in lavender and beige. The woman smiled at him and, without a word, she vanished before his eyes!

This same woman has been spotted by many people and she is usually seen on the second floor of the house. Most who have seen her describe her in much the same manner and they usually see her fanning herself while sitting in the drawing room, which is right next to the restroom. And, as with the surprised man who lost his way in the dark, the woman usually smiles at the living and then promptly disappears into thin air.

 
Address:
244 South 3rd Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
(215) 627-0364

The Haunting of the Harmony Inn

Harmony Inn – Butler County, Harmony, Pennsylvania

Photograph ©Collectable Webs

Built in 1856 by Austin Pearoe, this inn was originally used as a private residence. After the Civil War the home went on to become a hotel, livery stable, boarding house and more.

With the home passing hands so many times over the years, it’s hard to say exactly who is responsible for the paranormal activity within. Locals in the town of Harmony blame some of the activity on a man called “Barney” who apparently took a tumble down the staircase and died from a broken neck. However, regardless of whose haunting it, it definitely has some activity to substantiate the claims made by visitors and owners.

Many visitors and employees have said that they feel as if they’re being watched while they’re in the house. Most of these people also say that they don’t feel threatened by this gawking entity.

Some of the more noticeable activities include; objects moving on their own, cold spots and gusts of cold air that seem to come out of nowhere, unexplainable mists, electrical gadgets going haywire and the apparition of a man appearing in mirrors throughout the house.

Several apparitions have appeared in the house, as well as, outside. Many have spotted a female apparition in the entryway. Most describe this apparition as older with an early nineteen hundreds hairdo and dress.

Today, the inn still has claims of the paranormal from guests and employees alike.

Address:
230 Mercer Street
Harmony, Pennsylvania 16037
(724) 452-5124