In 1876, the West Virginia State Penitentiary, also known as the Moundsville Penitentiary, opened in Moundsville, WV. This gothic-style prison was in part built by the prisoners that would be incarcerated in it, and also contained prisoner-ran shops that helped it become a self-sufficient facility. As time went on, the prison went through many changes and problems, especially with security, plumbing and overcrowding, that allowed for disease and chaos to run rampant. Over the years there were murders, riots, prisoner escapes and almost 100 executions. The prison shut down operations in 1995 and moved its remaining prisoners to other facilities.
Many believe that the building was built on Native American burial grounds, which allowed for hundreds of spirits to still roam. Visitors have heard voices and whispering, heard the cell doors clanging shut, have felt cold spots and been touched by unseen hands, smelled unpleasant odors, and seen apparitions. There is one particular entity that is called the “Shadow Man” because he lurks in dark places and has no visible features.
What haunts the West Virginia State Penitentiary? Join us on episode 101 to hear about one of the most haunted prisons in the United States!
Sources: wvpentours.com, Legends of America, Haunted Rooms, liveabout.com, Haunted Houses