The Haunted History of the West Virginia Penitentiary


Book Description

Afterlife with no parole.If you die in prison, your soul stays in prison. At least that's what many inmates believed. 998 murders and suicides combined with 85 hangings and 9 electrocutions all make for a dark and violent past. The Cincinnati Ohio Enquirer called it a "Hell On Earth" in 1886. The New York Times branded it as "One of the Most Violent in the Country". Inmates called it "Bloody Alley" and for good reasons.The Haunted History of the West Virginia Pen is brought to light by Paranormal Investigator, Haunted Heartland Tours owner and author, Sherri Brake. Built in 1866 in Moundsville, West Virginia and situated on 10 acres, this mammoth fortress held some of the country's worst criminals. Explore Moundsville's bloody frontier history, the Grave Creek Mound, the building of the Pen, and the Wardens. Read first hand accounts from past guards and inmates along with newspaper articles, some collected from over 100 years ago. Accounts of executions, torture, escapes and notorious inmates are revealed. Examine over 100 ghostly accounts as paranormal investigators look for Shadow Men, ghosts and proof of the afterlife. Check out the Paranormal Directory and Vocabulary section. Use the Paranormal Guide to the Pen to help you investigate on site or simply read about the Sugar Shack, the Boiler Room and North Hall, all from the safety of your chair.This book is an excellent resource for gaining insight on the history and hauntings of this gothic prison. It is a first hand look into the dark dimensions of one of America's most haunted locations.




West Virginia Penitentiary


Book Description




West Virginia Penitentiary


Book Description

In 1863, the newly formed West Virginia lacked a state penitentiary to house convicted felons. As a result, construction began in July 1866 on the West Virginia Penitentiary, the second public building constructed in the state. The infamous and foreboding West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville was known as one of the bloodiest institutions in the United States. With an extensive history of violence, the prison was ranked on the Department of Justice's Top Ten Most Violent Correctional Facilities list. Nearly 1,000 inmates perished within the stone walls of the prison, many of whom are said to still be serving their sentence, even after death. Many inmates were tortured, executed, murdered, or committed suicide. Plagued by these horrific events, the prison is a hotspot for paranormal activity. Images of America: West Virginia Penitentiary chronicles the fascinating history of a notorious prison from the planning stages to present day.







Moundsville


Book Description

From 250 to 150 B.C., the Adena people constructed a burial mound by moving 60,000 tons of earth. The resulting formation, the largest conical burial mound in the country, is located in the middle of the namesake town of Moundsville, West Virginia. Although the Grave Creek Mound, as it is now called, attracts spectators from miles around and is the showpiece of the locals, it is not the only noteworthy feature of the town. Fokker Aircraft Factory, the Fostoria Glass Company, United States Stamping Company, and the Marx Toy Company were all located in Moundsville and nearby Glen Dale, and many of the employees were town residents. The area is also home to the old West Virginia Penitentiary, which is now a national historical landmark, and the Daily Echo, a country newspaper that has been the voice of the community for more than 100 years. The county seat of Marshall County, Moundsville is a Southern town immersed in history and full of people dedicated to its preservation.










Pronounced Dead


Book Description

There were ninety-four executions at the West Virginia Penitentiary. Ninety-four souls that crossed the threshold separating life and death. Ninety-four men whose actions brought upon themselves the ultimate penalty. In the book, you will read their stories. Their crimes are described. Their time, up until their last breath, is recorded. You will also discover death certificates, newspaper pictures, and even final resting places. With over 1,000 references to primary historical sources, this book is the most factual work about the executions. Don't wait! Open this book to read about the ninety-four who were pronounced dead.




The Tour at the West Virginia Penitentiary


Book Description

The West Virginia Penitentiary is a place filled with history both of chaos and courage. Terror and triumph took place together. This booklet allows one to capture a small glimpse into the world of the penitentiary. It also takes a visitor through the tour. If a visitor has gone on the tour, this helps remind them of their incredible experience. If a person has not yet ventured forth upon a tour, this allows them to see that this is a place that they cannot stay away from.




Escape from Moundsville


Book Description

Moundsville, the dreaded State Prison of West Virginia. This thriller is from the true personal experiences by author Oakley Dean Baldwin and stories about the dreaded and Haunted Moundsville Prison. Murder, torture, breakouts, manhunts, shootouts, it's all covered in this one.