While I was in Philadelphia for the weekend, I visited the Eastern State Penitentiary in the Fairmount neighborhood. Eastern State was a large state prison that was built in the mid-19th century, shortly before the Civil War. At the time, it sat about 2 miles outside the city, but as Philadelphia grew, it soon engulfed the prison. The prison was actively used until 1970. It has been partially restored thanks to a local non-profit group, but most of it still lies in disrepair.

I can safely say that this was one of the creepiest places I’ve ever visited. Unlike most historical buildings, Eastern State lies mostly in disrepair - what you see in the prison is what was left there. With the exception of one room, there are no replicas. The walls have started to crumble, only adding to the uneasy feeling. Of course, they say it’s haunted, but I didn’t see any ghosts. Then again, you’d have to PAY me to go there after dusk.

If you find yourself in Philadelphia, you must make your way to see Eastern State Penitentiary. My inner history nerd swooned over this place.