6. Eastern State Penitentiary

09/03/24 • 24 min

Eastern State Penitentiary opened in 1829, establishing itself as the world's largest and most expensive prison, as well as the first true "penitentiary." All eyes were on Eastern State and its Quaker-inspired system of solitary confinement; it drew admiration and influenced over 300 other prisons around the world. However, the devastating mental, physical and spiritual effects of isolation are undeniable, facilitating a darkness within the prison walls today. Listen to hear Eastern State's history, as well as some of its many stories, such as the haunting of Al Capone and the prison's connection to the Battle of Gettysburg.

Have you experienced something paranormal? If you have a Pennsylvania-based encounter you'd like to share, send a message to [email protected].

If you loved the episode, please consider subscribing to the Patreon, leaving a rating & review, and following my social media.

Sources:

https://www.easternstate.org/sites/easternstate/files/inline-files/ESP-history-overview.pdf

https://ghostcitytours.com/philadelphia/haunted-philadelphia/eastern-state-penitentiary/

https://omgfacts.com/article/1202#

https://thoughtcatalog.com/jeremy-london/2018/09/eastern-state-penitentiary/

https://www.easternstate.org/explore/exhibits/al-capones-cell

https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/essays/eastern-state-penitentiary/

https://www.travelchannel.com/shows/ghost-adventures/articles/eastern-state-haunted-history

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-daring-escape-from-the-eastern-state-penitentiary-180947688/

https://www.amphilsoc.org/museum/exhibitions/children-archives/humanizing-eastern-state-penitentiary-records#:~:text=The%20data%20shows%20us%20that,%2C%20larceny%2C%20rioting%20and%20murder.

Produced and hosted by Gabby Hope Frye.

Music by Jonathan Downs. Cover art by Kerry Mullen.

Get bonus content on Patreon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you experienced something paranormal? If you have a Pennsylvania-based encounter you'd like to share, send a message to [email protected].

If you loved the episode, please consider subscribing to the Patreon, leaving a rating & review, and following my social media.

Sources:

https://www.easternstate.org/sites/easternstate/files/inline-files/ESP-history-overview.pdf

https://ghostcitytours.com/philadelphia/haunted-philadelphia/eastern-state-penitentiary/

https://omgfacts.com/article/1202#

https://thoughtcatalog.com/jeremy-london/2018/09/eastern-state-penitentiary/

https://www.easternstate.org/explore/exhibits/al-capones-cell

https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/essays/eastern-state-penitentiary/

https://www.travelchannel.com/shows/ghost-adventures/articles/eastern-state-haunted-history

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-daring-escape-from-the-eastern-state-penitentiary-180947688/

https://www.amphilsoc.org/museum/exhibitions/children-archives/humanizing-eastern-state-penitentiary-records#:~:text=The%20data%20shows%20us%20that,%2C%20larceny%2C%20rioting%20and%20murder.

Produced and hosted by Gabby Hope Frye.

Music by Jonathan Downs. Cover art by Kerry Mullen.

Get bonus content on Patreon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

5. The Grey Towers Castle

Arcadia University ranks among one of the most haunted colleges in Pennsylvania. From a trickster spirit named Max to a haunted bridge and a room of mirrors, Arcadia has many unsettling tales to tell. Most of the hauntings center around The Grey Towers Castle, which was built in 1893 for the Harrison Family. The family has seemingly never left their home, as the beauty and history of The Grey Towers Castle has held onto the stories of the past.

Have you experienced something paranormal? If you have a Pennsylvania-based encounter you'd like to share, send a message to [email protected].

If you loved the episode, please consider subscribing to the Patreon, leaving a rating & review, and following my social media.

Sources:

https://www.arcadia.edu/about-arcadia/our-history/grey-towers-castle/

https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/2014/05/04/the-ghosts-of-arcadia-and-grey-towers-castle/

https://www.arcadia.edu/news/haunted-history-arcadia-university/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byKYszTV1m8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvp021dYBZI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7WJI8u2TH0&t=169s

Produced and hosted by Gabby Hope Frye.

Music by Jonathan Downs. Cover art by Kerry Mullen.

Get bonus content on Patreon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

7. Harrisburg State Hospital

Harrisburg State Hospital was Pennsylvania's first public asylum. When it opened in 1851, the primary treatment was occupational therapy to keep the mind busy. Throughout its history, new treatments were developed and used, from hydrotherapy to insulin shock therapy to lobotomies. While Harrisburg State is seen as a progressive institution, and it influenced positive change in the mental health space, it's undeniable that its treatments have left a sort of sadness. Today, the hospital is known as one of the most haunted places in Pennsylvania, as many have reported intense poltergeist activity when on campus.

Have you experienced something paranormal? If you have a Pennsylvania-based encounter you'd like to share, send a message to [email protected].

If you loved the episode, please consider subscribing to the Patreon, leaving a rating & review, and following my social media.

Sources:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557996003359

https://www.uphs.upenn.edu/paharc/timeline/1751/tline7.html

https://hsh.thomas-industriesinc.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Harrisburg-State-Hospital-Pennsylvanias-America/dp/0738598275

https://www.travelchannel.com/shows/ghost-nation/episodes/murder-at-the-asylum

https://www.discovery.com/shows/ghost-lab/episodes/the-morgue

Produced and hosted by Gabby Hope Frye.

Music by Jonathan Downs. Cover art by Kerry Mullen.

Get bonus content on Patreon