Editing Eastern State Penitentiary (section)

== History ==

=== Origins and Philosophy ===

Eastern State Penitentiary was conceived by Philadelphia Quakers and social reformers who believed that solitary confinement would lead criminals to genuine penitence—hence the word "penitentiary." The Pennsylvania Legislature authorized construction in 1821, and the prison opened on '''October 25, 1829'''.

The prison pioneered the '''Pennsylvania System''' (also called the "separate system"), which mandated complete isolation of prisoners from one another. Each inmate lived, worked, and exercised alone in their cell, which included a private outdoor exercise yard. Prisoners wore hoods when moving through the facility to prevent any contact with other inmates.

=== Construction and Architecture ===

Architect '''John Haviland''' designed the prison in the Gothic Revival style, with castle-like walls and towers meant to convey the solemn nature of the institution. The design cost approximately $780,000—making it the most expensive building in America at the time of construction.

The prison featured a revolutionary '''radial floor plan''' with seven cellblocks extending from a central rotunda like spokes of a wheel. This design allowed guards in the central hub to observe all corridors simultaneously. Each cell measured approximately 8 by 12 feet with a 16-foot vaulted ceiling and included:

* Running water (rare even in the White House at the time)
* Flush toilet (decades before they were common)
* Central heating
* Skylight ("Eye of God" to encourage reflection)
* Private exercise yard

=== Famous Inmates ===

==== Al Capone ====

Chicago crime boss '''Al Capone''' was incarcerated at Eastern State from May 18, 1929, to March 17, 1930, on charges of carrying a concealed deadly weapon. Capone's cell was notably luxurious, reportedly furnished with fine rugs, antique furniture, and a radio—privileges obtained through his influence and wealth.

Capone's cell in Cellblock 7 has been reconstructed to reflect its appearance during his incarceration and remains one of the most visited spots in the prison.

==== Willie Sutton ====

Bank robber '''Willie Sutton''', famous for allegedly saying he robbed banks "because that's where the money is," was imprisoned at Eastern State multiple times and escaped in 1945 through a tunnel that took 12 prisoners over a year to dig.

=== Decline and Closure ===

By the 20th century, the separate system had been abandoned due to cost and concerns about psychological harm to prisoners. Eastern State became an overcrowded conventional prison. After 142 years of operation, the prison closed on '''April 20, 1971''', when its remaining inmates were transferred to State Correctional Institution Graterford.

=== Preservation and Museum ===

After closure, the prison sat abandoned and deteriorating for two decades. In 1994, it reopened for limited tours organized by the Eastern State Penitentiary Task Force. The site now operates as a full museum, preserving its "stabilized ruin" aesthetic rather than fully restoring the structures.