Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia (must see)

The Eastern State Penitentiary (ESP) in Philadelphia stands as a significant monument in the history of the American penal system. Located on Fairmount Avenue, nestled between Corinthian Avenue and North 22nd Street in the city's Fairmount section, this former prison has a rich and complex history.

Operational from 1829 to 1971, ESP was at the forefront of a revolutionary approach to imprisonment. It was built on the principles of separate incarceration, a system first introduced at the Walnut Street Jail. This approach focused on reform rather than punishment, marking a significant shift in the way prisoners were treated.

The design of ESP was highly innovative for its time. Featuring a wagon wheel design, it became known for its architectural grandeur and technological advancements. Upon its completion, the penitentiary was the largest and most expensive public structure in the United States. Its design and philosophy of reform had a widespread influence, inspiring the construction of over 300 prisons worldwide.

ESP is also notable for housing some of the most infamous criminals in American history. Among its most famous inmates were Al Capone, the notorious gangster, and Willie Sutton, a famed bank robber. Additionally, between 1936 and 1948, James Bruno (Big Joe) and several male relatives were incarcerated here following their alleged involvement in the Kelayres massacre of 1934.

Today, the Eastern State Penitentiary is a U.S. National Historic Landmark. No longer a place of incarceration, it has been repurposed as a museum, open to the public for tours. This transformation allows visitors to explore its historic halls and learn about its unique place in the annals of penal reform and American history.