Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Eastern State Penitentiary
A National Historic Landmark
Once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, Eastern State Penitentiary stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers.
This was the world's first true "penitentiary," a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of prisoners.
The penitentiary was known for its system of strict isolation and its grand architecture. The original seven cellblocks spread like the spokes of a wheel, and had running water and central heat before the White House. More than 300 prisons on five continents are modeled after Eastern State Penitentiary.
Eastern's sky-lit cells once held many of America's most notorious criminals, including bank robber Willie Sutton and Al Capone.
Erected by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Landmarks • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list.
Location. 39° 58.047′ N, 75° 10.36′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Eastern State Penitentiary. Marker is on Fairmount
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Eastern State Penitentiary Terrace Garden (here, next to this marker); Born at "E.S.P." (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Eastern State Penitentiary (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Eastern State Penitentiary (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Eastern State Penitentiary (within shouting distance of this marker); Synagogue (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Punishment Area: Cellblock 13 (about 400 feet away); Restored Bocce Court (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 22, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
