Eastern State Penitentiary facts for kids
The exterior of Eastern State Penitentiary.
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| Location | 2027 Fairmount Avenue Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| Coordinates | 39°58′06″N 75°10′22″W / 39.96839°N 75.172652°W |
| Status | Closed (now a museum) |
| Population | ~400 prisoners (from 1829–1877) |
| Opened | 1829 |
| Closed | 1971 |
| Warden | Samuel R. Wood (1829-40) |
| Website | easternstate.org |
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Eastern State Penitentiary
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| Area | 11 acres (45,000 m2) |
| Built | 1829 |
| Architect | John Haviland |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000680 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | June 23, 1965 |
The Eastern State Penitentiary, also known as ESP, is a famous former prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is located at 2027 Fairmount Avenue in the Fairmount area of the city. This historic building was used as a prison from 1829 until 1971.
ESP was special because it introduced a new way of handling prisoners. It focused on helping people change for the better, rather than just punishing them. This idea was first tried at the Walnut Street Jail.
Well-known individuals like Al Capone and bank robber Willie Sutton were held here. The prison's unique "wagon wheel" design was very innovative.
When it was finished, Eastern State Penitentiary was the largest and most expensive public building in the United States. Its design became a model for over 300 other prisons around the world.
Today, the prison is a U.S. National Historic Landmark. It is open to the public as a museum. You can visit it for tours seven days a week, from 10 am to 5 pm.
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Eastern State Penitentiary: A Historic Prison
Eastern State Penitentiary, or ESP, is a very important historical site. It was once a working prison. Now, it serves as a museum where visitors can learn about its past.
The penitentiary is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It stands as a reminder of how prisons used to operate.
This building was a big deal when it was built. It was the largest and most costly public building in the United States. Its unique design influenced many prisons worldwide.
A Revolutionary Idea: The Separate System
ESP was famous for its "separate incarceration" system. This was a new idea for prisons. Instead of grouping prisoners together, each person stayed in their own cell.
The goal was to encourage prisoners to think about their actions. It aimed to help them change and become better people. This was different from just punishing them.
The prison's layout was called a "wagon wheel" design. Cell blocks stretched out from a central hub. This allowed guards to see many areas from one spot.
Famous Faces Inside
Eastern State Penitentiary held some well-known people. One famous person was Al Capone. He was a notorious figure from the 1920s.
Another notable person held at ESP was Willie Sutton. He was a famous bank robber. These individuals were part of the prison's long history.
From Prison to Museum
Eastern State Penitentiary closed its doors as a prison in 1971. After many years, it was no longer used for its original purpose.
Today, it has a new life as a museum. It is a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important historical place.
Visitors can explore the old cells and learn about prison life. The museum is open every day of the week. You can visit from 10 am to 5 pm.
Images for kids
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Annotated floor plan of Eastern State Penitentiary in 1836
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One of the two-story cell blocks in Eastern State Penitentiary
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A typical cell in restored condition.
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Al Capone's cell.
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The remains of the barber shop.
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Eastern State Penitentiary's radial plan served as the model for hundreds of later prisons.
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Cross Section of Cell Block
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Purge Incomplete, Mary Jo Bole's exhibit
