Abandoned West Virginia State Penitentiary
Moundsville, West Virginia
July 19, 2021
The West Virginia State Penitentiary operated for more than 100 years (1876 to 1995), holding a peak of 2,000 inmates. The cells, which I roamed in and out of freely taking the Photography Tour, were mostly 5 by 7 feet. Shockingly during overcrowded periods of operation, those small cells held three inmates. But a 1896 Supreme Court ruling stated that confinement to those 5 by 7 cells was cruel and unusual punishment. The ruling, as well as a reputation for violence and rape, and repeated riots and escapes by inmates lead to its eventual decommission in 1995.
94 men were executed within the Penitentiary. 85 of these executions were by hanging, which the public was invited to attend… until 1931 when a prisoner was decapitated immediately upon release of the trap door. 9 other souls were electrocuted in “Old Sparky” which greets tour goers at the door. The admission area holds a small museum of artifacts, including a letter from Charles Manson who wanted to be transferred to the prison as it was closer to family.
It was unnerving at points, being on my own and wandering through a place that held this kind of history. But here are some of my favorite shots from the day.
In the Infirmary equipment still lingers
Entrance to a cell block
Many cells were heavily decorated, some painted with vivid color and repeated sponge patterns. This guy’s musical taste was all over his cell
The sun poured in
The early bird gets the worm
A newer cell block
Controls for the doors
In the yard was an old bus
An obstacle course was set up for the inmates
The chapel was also in the prison’s yard
The early days of admitting
