The West Virginia Penitentiary
A location that has seen hundreds of Executions, Murders, and Suicides
Join haunted Rooms America as you take on the West Virginia State Penitentiary, one of the most notoriously haunted prisons in the country! A night and location not to be missed!
Opening in 1876, West Virginia State Pen (aka Moundsville Prison) has borne witness to hundreds of deaths, including 94 executions, as well as murders, and suicides aplenty. Not to mention the number of inmates that died after being subjected to severe beatings and violent punishments administered by prison guards.
In 1931 a death row inmate was completely decapitated during his execution in the prison. Up until 1951, hanging was the preferred method of carrying out the death sentence, though, from that point on, it was electrocution. Known as “Old Sparky” the electric chair used to end the lives of 9, still resides in the prison.
In total, it’s believed nearly 1000 men lost their lives within the prison’s walls, and many of their souls remain to this day. You may come face to face with one of their apparitions whilst entering the shower cages, or you may hear their disembodied screams as you make your way through the cell blocks!
This location has been featured on numerous paranormal TV shows, such as Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters, and more, and has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in the state.
If you think you can take on this infamous prison and the souls that reside here, join us for an unforgettable night of ghost hunting!
For the first portion of the event, you will be paired with one of our team in a small group who will take you on rotation through the prison’s most haunted areas. After that, you’re free to roam the prison alone if you dare!
We’ll provide all the state-of-the-art paranormal equipment for you to use, and we’ll also provide snacks and refreshments throughout the evening!
Tickets are Limited!
BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
Event Trailer
Event Details
What’s Included?
- A full night of ghost hunting with the Haunted Rooms America team,
- Use of our state of the art paranormal equipment,
- Free time to investigate at the end of the night,
- Snacks and refreshments provided all night.
Event Location: 818 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041
Event Time: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Meet up at the location at the earliest 8:15 PM. There is ample parking available at the venue itself.
What to Bring?
Please bring with you a form of photo ID, and a printed off booking confirmation email (or show this on your phone).
We will be providing you with paranormal equipment to use, however, we will need something of value per group to hold onto as collateral (phone, car keys, watch, etc.)
We will be providing snacks and drinks at intervals throughout the night.
And of course, bring your phone/camera with you, the more pictures we have the better chance we have of capturing something!
Other than that, just yourself and an open mind!
The History
The West Virginia Penitentiary (Moundsville Prison) came about thanks to the efforts of Governor Arthur I. Boreman. He devoted the years from 1863 to 1866 doing his best to convince the West Virginia Legislature that the young state needed a penitentiary of its own to house the criminals in West Virginia. His attempts proved futile until finally, with the help of the local press in 1865, the legislature decided it was better to have a state facility than risk the escape of more inmates. With approval given, the state was allowed to purchase a plot of land, which would house the new state penitentiary.
The decision was made to purchase ten acres of land in an area of the state called, Moundsville. The capital city of the state at the time, Wheeling, was a mere 12 miles from the site of the new state prison. Prior to starting construction on the new prison, a wooden prison was built temporarily. This afforded the officials in charge of the prison’s construction with determining how it would be designed. Although no blueprints for the West Virginia Penitentiary have ever been located, the inspiration for the new prison appears to be the Joliet penitentiary in Northern Illinois. The key difference is that the West Virginia prison was built on a much grander scale than Joliet.
It took roughly ten years from the design of the penitentiary to the official opening of its doors in 1876, it was, however, established in 1866. The Gothic-style prison was built with locally quarried hand-cut sandstone. During part of the construction process prison labor was used to help expedite the process. When the West Virginia Penitentiary was completed it had a north and south cellblock. Two hundred and twenty-four prison cells measuring 7 ft. by 5 ft. were located in the South Hall. The chapel, hospital, kitchen, and dining area were located in the North Hall. The area that connected the two cellblocks was four stories in height. It housed female inmates, the administration building, as well as living quarters for the prison warden and his family.
Throughout its more than 100 years of operation, the West Virginia Penitentiary was home to 93 executions, 9 by electrocution, and 83 by hanging. Those 93 deaths were all legally sanctioned. Hundreds of other inmates living within the walls of the penitentiary had their day with fate. People not legally executed died after they were murdered when they committed suicide or at the hands of the incredibly violent punishments, they were subjected to by the members of the prison staff.
Some of the barbaric punishments were exposed to the public in 1886. The source of the violence and torture was a former superintendent of the institution. Prisoners were subjected to being restrained in contraptions such as the “kicking Jenny” and the “shoo-fly.” The “kicking Jenny” involved the restraining of a prisoner while completed nude, bending them over a machine and restraining them prior to whipping them to near death. The “shoo-fly” included restraining the prisoner and spraying them directly in the face with water from a hose until they were within an inch of death.
The West Virginia Penitentiary was also the site of prison breaks and riots. In 1979 a group of 15 prisoners managed to escape the prison. While fleeing the prison, West Virginia State Trooper Philip S. Kesner noticed the escaped convicts while driving past the area with his wife. Although he attempted to thwart their escape he was killed by one of the escapees a murderer by the name of Ronald T. Williams. Williams remained on the run for eighteen months prior to his capture.
In 1986, conditions in the prison had hit an incredible low. The prison was suffering from severe overcrowding yet again. There were countless problems with plumbing, inmates roaming free due to poor security and locks being picked, as well as a lot of illness due to the infestation of bugs.
Fed up with the poor and inhumane conditions, the Avengers, a group of 20 inmates began a riot in the mess hall. Captain Glassock, a kitchen staffer, and five officers were captured, handcuffed, and held hostage. Fortunately, the two-day riot ended with a few hostages injured, but not mortally wounded while three inmates perished. Until the day the penitentiary officially closed its doors it would see multiple escape attempts and riots.
The Hauntings
The West Virginia Penitentiary, also known as Moundsville, housed prisoners until 1995. Claims that the penitentiary was haunted began as early as the 1930s and have not stopped since. According to local legend, the site of the penitentiary was at one time a sacred Native American burial ground. There are those that believe the cursed land plays a role in the tremendous amount of paranormal activity that occurs at the location. Despite the land being blessed, there are those that feel the curse lingers. Leading many to believe it’s one of not THE most haunted prison in America.
With such a violent history and so many violent criminals in the West Virginia Penitentiary, there is no wonder many consider the prison one of the most haunted places in West Virginia. There are those that have been to the prison that state multiple locations throughout the prison have large amounts of paranormal activity, or “hot spots.” Some of the locations that receive the most activity include Death Row, the Chapel, the rec area, and the shower cages. The location of the electric chair and also the North Wagon Gate, the area in which inmates were put to death via hanging, is also known for ghostly activity. The circular entrance gate that was used to admit new prisoners is reportedly said to turn on its own when no one is inside.
In all the years that people have stated they have experienced either odd activity or ghostly sightings, one ghost is reported by many. The “Shadow Man,” is said to roam around the entirety of the prison. He appears as more or less a silhouette as he makes his way around the place. Other people have made claims that they have seen the ghosts of former inmates as well as former prison guards. Their apparel is typically the key to identifying what role they had in the penitentiary when it was open.
One location in the penitentiary with a surprising amount of activity is the “Sugar Shack.” With such a sweet name one would not expect paranormal activity. In reality, if you are visiting this haunted prison, you will be remiss if you forget to visit where the inmates enjoyed some rec time when they were not allowed to go outside. It is said that it is quite common to hear people talking and arguing when in this area of the basement. Other people have stated that they have heard people off in different areas of the basement whispering. Of course, there are countless cold spots and bizarre noises heard when people are in the basement as well.
Back in the 1930s when the first reports of hauntings at the prison started they came from assorted guards on duty. According to the reports, guards that were on duty at night made claims that they saw inmates walking freely on the grounds so alarms were sounded. Once the alarms were off and the area was properly searched, no one ever found inmates wandering around on the loose. This repeated false sightings of inmates walking around the grounds freely led to the West Virginia Penitentiary gaining a reputation for being haunted.
Of the hundreds of people that died in the prison many spirits remain bound to the jail. Red Snider was murdered in the prison and still appears to wander the halls. A man that worked on a haunted house in the prison claimed that while he was walking around with his tools, someone, not living, grabbed him by his arm. The man maintained when questioned that nobody else was near him during this event.
Today it is possible to take tours of the most haunted places in West Virginia. It is also possible to stay overnight in different areas of the prison if groups or individuals are interested in conducting their own paranormal investigation.
FAQ
What Should I Expect on a Ghost Hunt?
Become a paranormal investigator for the night like the TV stars of Most haunted, ghost adventures or TAPS Ghost hunters.
Use some of the specialized equipment and be guided by experienced paranormal investigators who will share their knowledge, techniques and experiences of hunting for ghosts or spirits.
Feel free to bring along any of your own equipment including but not limited to EVP recorders, flashlights, cameras or video cameras.
Bring extra clothing as in some parts old buildings may get cold but please refrain from wearing clothing that can cause distracting sounds. Many old buildings have a story to tell and we will supply them to you along with of course the ghost stories.
There will be breaks and light refreshments are provided.
We are not out to try and convince the world of the existence of an afterlife. That’s for you to decide.
We can be Sceptical and logical yet open to other beliefs and prayers of protection will be carried out.
We do not perform tricks and will not be running around with sheets on our heads!
You will be with like-minded people looking for the answer “is there really an afterlife”?
However much we try unfortunately we can’t guarantee that members of the spirit world will make their presence known but we can at least guarantee that you will experience a fun and interesting night.
Do I receive an actual ticket?
The event is ticketless. Your proof of booking is your booking confirmation email. You will also receive an email with important information prior to your event, usually the week of.
Is there any age limit of who can attend these events?
The age limit is 18 years and over.
Will there be a Medium at the event?
All events listed on Haunted Rooms are hosted by experienced Hosts and Professional Psychic/Clairvoyant Mediums. However sometimes a Medium(s) may not always be present – but as usual, you will be in very safe hands with our experienced Hosts who have a wealth of knowledge and are fully trained in all aspects of professional public ghost hunting events and experience nights.
Can I sleep at an event?
Unless it is otherwise stated, events don’t include sleepover.
Will I see a Ghost?
Unfortunately, the activity will not just happen on command, however using the various experiments and experienced hosts on the events, everything will be done to offer the best chance of spiritual activity.
Nearby Accommodation
Reviews
Rating
Really enjoyed my experience, however, we paid for the VIP package which included merchandise in the price. We never received anything and I was told in August there were issues with the printer, which is totally understandable, but have never received a follow up despite paying for it to be included. I would appreciate a refund for that portion of our ticket but I don’t expect it at this point. A little sketchy.
Just finished our VIP overnight at Hotel Metropolitan in Paducah! Ms. Venita and Julie were the absolute best! They both made sure we knew what we were doing with equipment, and gave us a fantastic guided tour and explained the history so well. Venita especially made an impression on my group. She is super friendly and definitely knows what she's doing. Can't wait to see her again! I wouldn't want anyone else!
My dad, my sister-in-law, and I stayed at The Metropolitan for a paranormal investigation, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and full of history — but what made our stay exceptional was the incredible staff, Julie and Venita. These two amazing women went above and beyond the entire time we were there. They walked us through all the investigation equipment, helped guide us throughout the night, and made us feel completely comfortable and right at home. Their hospitality was top-notch — from the snacks and drinks they provided to the delicious hot chocolate they made for us during our late-night exploring. Their kindness, patience, and passion for what they do turned our stay into something truly special. If you’re looking for a place filled with charm, comfort, and staff who genuinely care, The Metropolitan Hotel is the perfect choice. Our overnight stay exceeded every expectation. Highly recommend! I wouldn't want anyone else to tour with!! 👻✨🍫
My son and I went to belles grove plantation and it was the best time! We enjoyed everything! Miss V was great! We got a few pictures of something in the windows and I actually started crying which I NEVER would let my son see me cry! It was kinda spooky but awesome at the same time! The team is great and I highly recommend going on one of their tours! Thank u all for a great experience
