A Visit to WV State Penitentiary in Moundsville!

WV State Penitentiary

Walking through the cold, crumbling walls of WV State Penitentiary in Moundsville is like slipping into another world—one filled with haunting echoes of the past, whispered tales of infamy, and a lingering sense of both dread and fascination. This former prison is now a must-see tourist attraction, drawing thousands every year with its rich history, eerie legends, and spine-chilling experiences. Buckle up as we explore its dramatic history, infamous inmates, ghostly tales, and the unforgettable thrill of exploring it after dark.

West Virginia State Penitentiary in Moundsville is known worldwide from TV shows like Ghost Hunters to even an episode on Expedition X last year. This has helped bring more tourists to the area for a day tour or take a tour like I did where I was locked in overnight, to hear the scary clicks and bangs near the north hall, or Visit "The Sugar Shack" as it is referred to by the guides. Even if you do not come away as a believer in the paranormal, you will still feel very eerie on your visit. Some even feel sick. Paranormal investigators have been coming here for year, so you can always find information, TV shows and videos on visits to the prison.

WV State Penitentiary in Moundsville: The Prison's Storied

History

Sign just outside the fence, there is also a historical marker close by

Built in 1876, a few years after the Civil War, the Moundsville Penitentiary institution was originally designed to house the nation’s most dangerous criminals. Its towering Gothic architecture and imposing gates were not just meant to intimidate, but also to keep its residents completely isolated from the world beyond. For over a century, it stood as both a powerhouse and a punishment hall, holding a prison population of 2,000 inmates at its peak.

In the early 1900s additions were added onto the prison. The prisoners helped with the building throughout its many changes over the years and there was a paint shop, wagon shop, a tailor, bakery, blacksmith shop and so much more on the grounds of this prison 

Located close to the Ohio River and near a much larger city of Wheeling WV. The prison wasn’t just a place of incarceration; it was a hub of justice, albeit brutal, in its time. From housing petty thieves to America’s most feared criminals, it played a significant role in shaping criminal history until it permanently closed its doors in 1995. Many thought its story ended there, but its legend had only just begun.

Inside the prison

Riots That Rocked the Prison

Few places have witnessed the raw chaos of human desperation like the walls of Moundsville. Perhaps the most infamous riot occurred in 1986, when inmates overwhelmed prison guards and took control of entire sections of the prison. The siege lasted 2 days, claiming lives and leaving a trail of destruction behind. It's said that the bloodstains from that fateful day never quite washed off, a grim reminder of how quickly things could spiral out of control behind bars.

There was also a riot, that was made famous for being settled by someone from my Hometown in 1973. A prisoner named Rabbit Martin. If you would like to learn more about what landed Rabbit Martin, Dwight Perdue and others in this prison, watch my video while I drive through Bluefield WV.

Living in Hell: The Horrors of Prison Life

Forget modern amenities—Moundsville was a hellhole. Overcrowded cells in which 3 people were sometimes crowded into them, teemed with rats, disease ran rampant, and the stench of unwashed bodies and despair hung heavy in the air. These inhumane conditions made you wish you were in solitary confinement, as there was a fate worse than death for many inmates, where claustrophobic cells stripped away the last shreds of sanity. Violence simmered just under the surface, erupting daily in fights or escape attempts. At its worst, it was rated in the top 10 most violent correctional facilities in the United States. It earned its grim reputation as one of the toughest prisons in the country, where survival often depended on brutal cunning or sheer luck.

Old Sparky

'Old Sparky': The Grim Execution Device

For those sentenced to death, 'Old Sparky,' the prison's electric chair, loomed like an unholy specter. This crude yet effective death machine claimed the lives of 9 men from its debut in 1951 and until the WV laws changes on death penalty in 1965. Witnesses reported the smell of burning flesh and dimming lights as the chair did its work. It was actually built by an inmate by the name of Paul Glenn. Even in its retired state, ‘Old Sparky’ evokes an undeniable chill. Some say if you stand too close, you might hear faint screams of its victims.

Ghostly Tales and Paranormal Encounters

It’s no surprise that a place steeped in so much tragedy would come alive—metaphorically, we hope—after dark. Reports of apparitions, shadowy figures, strange noises, and ominous whispers have made WV State Penitentiary a hotbed for ghost enthusiasts. Some swear they’ve seen an inmate pacing behind bars, while others claim they’ve been pushed, scratched, or even locked in by unseen forces. The most chilling reports often come from ‘Sugar Shack,’ where paranormal activity reaches its peak. Ghost stories of the gruesome murders of other prisoners. 36 homicides happened here, which have left many stories to be told in the hallowed walls. This prison is said to be one of the most haunted prisons in the United States. 

Spooky looking due to all the damage.

Touring the Haunted Halls Today

Today, this infamous state prison offers visitors a chance to step into its chilling past. This tour offers a unique glimpse of what being a prisoner was like. Tuesday- Sunday its 80-minute historical tours for $15 per adult, $10 for children and $13 for anyone over the age of 55. On Monday the 90-minute tour is geared more to the paranormal, but the prices of tickets are $18 per adult. Hours of operation are 10AM to 4PM, and the tours start at the top of every hour. Book online between April and the end of November.

For the truly brave, the prison includes an overnight, locked-in experience where you join a small group to explore the haunted halls until dawn. No escape. No comfort. Just you and the dark corners of history staring back. $75 per person gets you a 90 minute tour with tour guides and locked in for the night, like I was on my visit. They are not available every night or even every weekend so check the calendar on their website and buy your tickets online. You will have access to most of the building from the Sugar Shack, cell blocks, mess hall, North Hall and Psych Ward. These night tours where you are locked in after are perfect for a group of friends. 

While special tours, like the exclusive "Private Paranormal Investigations" come at a premium. These ghost hunts, costing over $1,000, might be worth it if you are a true believer. There are special photography tours that are $100. Plan a visit in September or October for their Haunted House, called the Dungeon of horrors, for $25.

Whether you’re a history buff or a thrill-seeker chasing the supernatural, there’s a tour that caters to every curious soul. There are several other tours to choose from on the website.

Inside the prison walls, looking at chapel

My Lock-In Experience  

Spending the night in WV State Penitentiary was nothing short of surreal. When the doors shut behind me, it hit me—I was standing exactly where some of the most dangerous people in history did decades ago. The group was a decent size, as many of us from my job drove up on a Saturday evening and as the guides left us, the sense of isolation was intense. We did receive a 90 minute guided tour before they left, so we knew the most haunted spots to check out after dark, or where to go if we wanted to sit and rest away from all the ghostly activities.

The icy air seemed to cling to my skin, and every footstep echoed like a cannon blast. Around midnight, I ventured to Sugar Shack, armed with nothing but a flashlight. That’s when I heard it—a faint, guttural whisper. My heart stopped/ Was I imagining things just because of the information we were told on the tour, or is this place truly haunted. My flashlight flickered as if it, too, could feel the unease. I found nothing but emptiness as I looked around the room, but I left quickly, as I did not want to stay any longer in the Sugar Shack. 

Touring the actual jail cells was a totally different experience than the Sugar Shack. Hearing the clunks of metal hitting metal, or that's what it sounded like to me, was not near as scary. Sure if really couldn't be explained, but could it have been ghosts or just noises in the pipes of an old building. I promise you will have a great chance of hearing noises in this area that can not be explained. Seeing those tiny cells and knowing that it was not just one person to a cell is unbelievable. It's hard to believe how bad the quality of life was here, even when the residents were prisoners.

Later, in the room where ‘Old Sparky’ stands as a relic, a dull metallic clank startled me. I could swear I felt someone—or something—watching my every move. This section of the prison is actually close to the entrance, where you can see other relics that the prison has held onto as more of a museum. 

The hanging noose

One of the most interesting things in this area is a hand-written letter written by Charles Manson, asking to be moved to this prison. You can stand there and read his words on the pages. I did not realize till this visit, that he lived in West Virginia off and on, not far away from the prison in McMechen, Wheeling and Charleston West Virginia. Some of his family and even his mother was one of the female inmates that stayed in the Moundsville Prison at some point during her life. This was part of the reason he wanted to move here. He sent the letter in 1983 but was denied the transfer as WV State Penitentiary did not want him.  

Some info I learned going in, there is not any air conditioning or heat in the WV penitentiary, so dress accordingly. Also bring your own flashlights, cell phones and of course plenty of batteries. Once you are locked in on the other side of the gate you cannot get out unless there is some major medical emergency or something serious. So, you cannot even get to your car after the gate is locked. Bring whatever you think you might need inside with you. There are plenty of seats in the entrance area and places to stick your belongings. Yes, they do have running water, so you can use the bathroom if you need too. The gift shop area is in the same area. I lasted the night, but barely. I left exhausted and convinced that the past never truly let's go.

Grave Creek Mound near the penitentiary

While in the area.

When you leave the prison, stay in the area for a couple days. The state of West Virginia has so much beauty around these mountains, Visit nearby attractions like:

Grave Creek Mound Historical Site- less than 1 mile away. You can literally see the burial mound which is a national historic landmark from the property grounds. This mound is why the city of Moundsville got its name. The Native Americans that lived in the area many many years ago buried their dead in the mound.

Fostoria Glass Museum- less than 1 mile away from the prison.  This section of WV is known for its glass making abilities, with many glass shops in and around the Northern part of the state. This museum is dedicated to one in particular and is set up in a home built in the early 1900's.

Marx Toy Museum- less than 2 miles away from the prison. A neat place to visit for toy lovers, a Marx Toys was one of the largest producers of toys. They were around from 1910 to 1980. It's a neat little museum.

Grand Vue Park- 9 minutes away from the prison, offers a great place to enjoy nature. With hiking opportunities, zip lining, or just go to the observation deck for a great view of the land. There is mini golf, other activities and cabins to stay in also.

Palace of Gold

You are also close to one of my favorite places to visit, the Prabhupada's Palace of Gold, less than 20 minutes from the WV State Penitentiary, and of course the larger city of Wheeling WV which is only 18 minutes away. There are plenty of fun and interesting things to do near Wheeling. 

Uncover the Mystery Yourself  

WV State Penitentiary stands as a testament to the darkest corners of human history and resilience. It’s a space where stories of crime, punishment, and perhaps the paranormal come alive. If you’re looking for an adventure that will leave you both shaken and fascinated, this legendary location awaits. One of the most haunted places on the United States. Would you dare spend a night behind its haunted bars?