Moundsville in Marshall County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

West Virginia Penitentiary

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 15, 2011

1. West Virginia Penitentiary Marker

Close-up view of the historic marker, as seen through the chain link fence that surrounds the penitentiary.

Inscription. Established, 1866, A prison for men and women convicted of felonies until prison for women was established at Pence Springs, 1947. Capital criminals were hanged here, 1889-1950. Electric chair used until death penalty was abolished, 1965.

Erected 2008 by West Virginia Archives & History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.

Location. 39° 54.946′ N, 80° 44.588′ W. Marker is in Moundsville, West Virginia, in Marshall County. Marker is on Jefferson Avenue south of 8th Street, on the left when traveling south. This historic marker is located across the street from the Moundsville (Grave Creek) Mound, and next to the front entrance to the old West Virginia State Penitentiary. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Moundsville WV 26041, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Grave Creek Mound (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named West Virginia Penitentiary (about 700 feet away); Marshall County Commemorates Service Men and Women (approx. ¼ mile away); Civil War Cannons (approx. ¼ mile away); Benjamin C. Criswell

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. ¼ mile away); Civil War Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Moundsville / Capt. James Harrod (approx. ¼ mile away); Volunteers in the Spanish-American War (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Moundsville.

Also see . . .
1. Former West Virginia Penitentiary. This is a link to information provided by the Moundsville Economic Development Council. (Submitted on April 27, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

2. West Virginia State Penitentiary. This is a link to information provided by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (Submitted on April 27, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 15, 2011

2. West Virginia Penitentiary Marker

View of the historic marker in front of the penitentiary, located along the walkway leading to the front entrance.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 15, 2011

3. West Virginia Penitentiary Marker

View looking north along Jefferson Avenue of the historic marker and the front walkway entrance into the penitentiary. The historic marker is behind the landscaped sign in the extreme right of the picture.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 15, 2011

4. West Virginia Penitentiary Marker

View looking south along Jefferson Avenue of the historic marker and the front walkway entrance into the penitentiary. The historic marker is located in the extreme left side of the picture.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 15, 2011

5. West Virginia Penitentiary Marker

View looking north from the area of the front entrance to the penitentiary towards the main administration building of the penitentiary.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 15, 2011

6. West Virginia Penitentiary Marker

View of the main administration building of the penitentiary.

West Virginia Penitentiary image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 15, 2011

7. West Virginia Penitentiary

Close-up view of the Seal of the State of West Virginia that is affixed to the front peak of the penitentiary.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 15, 2011

8. West Virginia Penitentiary Marker

Another view of the main administration building of the penitentiary.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 939 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on April 27, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.