Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Born at "E.S.P."
Henry Enckler, whose grandfather served as Deputy Warden, is one of three people known to have been born in the penitentiary's front Administration Building (directly in front of you). Prison staff lived in this castle-like-structure until the middle of the 20th Century. Most births in the United States occurred at home until the 1940s, so it is not surprising children were born to families living here.
Mr. Enckler lived in this building until age seven.
In May of 1999, Henry Enckler returned to Eastern State with his birth certificate, which listed "E.S.P." as his parent's place of residence.
captions:
Henry Enckler with his mother inside the penitentiary, c. 1912.
Henry Enckler playing in one of the two front gardens. They were reserved for the families living on the property. This garden in front of you is what remains of the east garden after it was modified in the 1960s. Photos: Courtesy of Henry Enckler.
Henry Enckler
Born at Eastern State in 1912
Erected by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Law Enforcement • Science & Medicine. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1999.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Eastern State Penitentiary (a few steps from this marker); Eastern State Penitentiary Terrace Garden (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 (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Eastern State Penitentiary (within shouting distance of this marker); Punishment Area: Cellblock 13 (within shouting distance of this marker); Restored Bocce Court (within shouting distance of this marker). 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 26, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 26, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
