Moundsville Penitentiary

The West Virginia Penitentiary at Moundsville operated from 1876 to 1995. During its 119 years, nearly 1,000 people died within its walls through execution, murder, suicide, and illness. Today it is considered one of America’s most haunted locations.

The History

The prison was built with inmate labor on a site adjacent to an ancient Adena burial mound. It was designed for 480 prisoners but often held over 2,000. The overcrowding contributed to violence, with riots and murders occurring regularly.

The Shadow

The most commonly reported apparition is the Shadow Man, a dark figure seen moving through cellblocks. Guards and inmates reported him during the prison’s operation, and visitors continue to see him today.

The Death House

The prison’s execution chamber, where 85 men were hanged and nine electrocuted, remains intensely active. Visitors report feeling hands on their throats, hearing screams, and seeing shadowy figures.

Other Phenomena

Cold spots are common throughout the facility. Voices are heard from empty cells. Objects move. Visitors have been touched, pushed, and scratched. The sheer volume of violent death seems to have left an indelible impression.

Investigation

The prison offers ghost tours and overnight investigations. It has been featured on numerous paranormal television programs. The consistent reports from thousands of visitors over decades suggest something genuine occurs within the walls.

Assessment

Moundsville’s combination of violent history, brutal conditions, and location atop an ancient burial site creates ideal conditions for haunting. The scale of suffering endured there may explain why so many spirits remain.