West Virginia Penitentiary

West Virginia Penitentiary is a former state prison in Gothic Revival style in Moundsville, United States, featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and sandstone walls. The architecture follows the pattern of Joliet Correctional Center and uses local sandstone from the region.

The facility opened for operations in 1876 and held thousands of inmates until its closure in 1995. Multiple riots shook the facility, including a major uprising in 1986 with hostage situations.

The first executions took place by hanging before the facility switched to an electric chair in 1951, which inmates constructed themselves. Visitors today see these execution rooms during tours through the old facility.

Visitors can walk through the cellblocks, execution areas, and administrative rooms during hour-long guided tours. The complex is located in Moundsville and is now open to the public as a museum.

The cells measuring 5 x 7 feet (1.5 x 2.1 meters) were ruled unconstitutional in 1986 by the West Virginia Supreme Court. This decision ultimately led to the gradual closure of the entire prison facility.

Location: Moundsville

Inception: 1876

Official opening: 1874

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: http://wvpentours.com

GPS coordinates: 39.91649,-80.74237

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:23