The West Virginia State Penitentiary, also known as Moundsville Penitentiary, is a former maximum-security prison located in Moundsville, West Virginia. Built in 1867 and operational for over 130 years, the prison housed some of the most dangerous criminals in the state’s history, including notorious murderers and rapists. Over the years, the prison gained a reputation for being one of the most violent and inhumane facilities in the United States. Today, the prison is no longer operational, but it has gained a new reputation as one of the most haunted places in America. Visitors and employees have reported seeing ghostly apparitions and experiencing other supernatural activity, making the West Virginia State Penitentiary a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts and ghost hunters.

History of the West Virginia State Penitentiary

The West Virginia State Penitentiary was built in 1867 as a response to overcrowding in the state’s existing prisons. The prison was designed to hold up to 480 inmates and was considered state-of-the-art at the time, with a modern heating and ventilation system, indoor plumbing, and electric lighting. However, over time, the prison became known for its inhumane conditions, overcrowding, and violence.

In 1929, a fire broke out in the prison’s north cell block, killing several inmates and causing extensive damage. The prison was rebuilt, but the new construction did little to improve conditions for the inmates. Over the years, there were numerous riots and uprisings at the prison, and many inmates were subjected to harsh punishment, including solitary confinement, hard labor, and even the electric chair.

By the 1980s, the West Virginia State Penitentiary was in a state of disrepair and overcrowding had once again become a problem. In 1986, the prison was closed, and the remaining inmates were transferred to a new facility nearby. The prison remained abandoned for several years, but it was eventually opened to the public as a tourist attraction and museum.

Reports of Hauntings and Paranormal Activity

Almost as soon as the West Virginia State Penitentiary was opened to the public, reports of hauntings and paranormal activity began to surface. Visitors and employees reported seeing ghostly apparitions, hearing unexplained noises and footsteps, and experiencing other supernatural phenomena. Some of the most common reports of paranormal activity at the prison include the following:

1. Shadowy Figures: Visitors and employees have reported seeing shadowy figures moving along the walls of the prison, often in areas where there is no apparent source of light.

2. Disembodied Voices: Many people have reported hearing voices and sounds coming from empty cells and corridors. Some have even claimed to hear the screams of former inmates.

3. Apparitions: There have been numerous reports of ghostly apparitions at the prison, including the ghost of a former warden who is said to appear in the prison’s control room.

4. Strange Noises: Visitors and employees have reported hearing unexplained noises and footsteps, including banging and tapping sounds.

5. Cold Spots: Many people have reported feeling sudden drops in temperature, even in areas that are well-heated.

6. Electronic Interference: Some visitors have reported experiencing electronic interference, including malfunctioning cameras and other equipment.

7. Physical Touching: A number of visitors have reported feeling physical sensations, such as being touched or pushed by an unseen force.

Explanations for Hauntings and Paranormal Activity

There are several theories and explanations for the reported hauntings and paranormal activity at the West Virginia State Penitentiary. Some believe that the spirits of former inmates who died at the prison are still trapped there, while others think that the residual energy of the prison’s violent past is still present. It is also possible that psychological factors, such as the prison’s eerie atmosphere and history, contribute to the reported hauntings. Whatever the explanation may be, the haunted reputation of the West Virginia State Penitentiary has drawn numerous visitors and paranormal investigators over the years, seeking to uncover the mysteries of this notorious prison’s past.