Eastern State Penitentiary · A Prison That Left a Man Alone With Himself

Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary practised the “separate system”: one prisoner to a cell, one Bible, one skylight, and no speaking to anyone. The designers believed that quiet reflection would make a person better.

The result was that large numbers of prisoners went insane. The prison closed in 1971 and gradually fell into disuse, with tall grass growing up through the walkways.

Today it is a museum, with night tours at Halloween. The cell where Capone stayed has been furnished comfortably — an exception, and the most famous room in the place.

Haunted Ruins / Philadelphia · USA / 1829