I’m a huge fan of abandoned prisions and hospitals. Every since I went to Eastern State Penitentiary a few Halloweens ago, I’ve been wanting to visit more of the same. Of course part of the lore are the reported hauntings that go on at these various locations.

While I want to go back to ESP soon I think the next stop on my weird little travel list would be West Virginia Penitentiary which is located in Moundsville, WV. It’s been featured on various shows including Ghost Hunters and Most Haunted. It opened in 1876 and continued opertations until 1995. During it’s later years it was ranked high on the Top Ten Most Violent Correctional Facilities list. In total, according to Wikipedia, 36 murders took place inside the Penitentiary and from 1899 to 1959 a total of 94 men were executed. In the 1960’s almost 2,000 prisoners were held at WVP but by 1995 it was down to between 600-700 inmates.

With the days of housing inmates long behind this Gothic inspired building, everyday people can now go back in time and see a part of history. They offer various tours including day & night tours and even overnight ghost hunting tours. Here’s a little information about the night tours from the official WVP website:

Experience the former West Virginia Penitentiary in the dark and create your own “fear factor.” Groups of friends, coworkers, or families looking for a different kind of adventure, can schedule a night tour. Tours begin at midnight. Groups of at least 20 people will participate in a 90-minute historical, educational walk-through of the facility with a trained guide. After that, create your own spine tingling, in-the-dark tour of this gothic fortress until 6 am. Bring your own food and drink (alcohol is prohibited), your camera and your ability to have fun.

Sounds a little exciting doesn’t? I’m actually thinking of doing the overnight ghost hunting tour which only costs $60 and starts at 8pm and lasts until 6am the next day. I’m pretty sure I’d end up sitting in a corner scared half to death but that’s part of the draw and the fun.

I’m not sure if a visit is in the works for this year seeing how I’m saving all my money for Comic Con in July but it might be something I could pull off later in the year or even early next year. I already have a few friends interested and I think it would be quite the experience.

Photo Credits: Dory Adams. Images are used by permission, all rights reserved.