Moyamensing Prison

Philadelphia County · dedicated 2011 · E Passyunk Ave. & S 10th St., at corner of Reed, Philadelphia

Opened in 1835, Thomas U. Walter designed it with elements of Egyptian Revival style and following the revolutionary principle of isolated confinement. With later additions, it could house nearly 5000 inmates - African Americans and women in separate wings. H. H. Holmes, considered Americas first serial killer, was executed here. The last hanging in Pa. took place here in 1916, soon replaced by electrocution. Closed in 1963, it was razed in 1968.

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Marker data: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission via data.pa.gov

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