West Virginia Penitentiary
West Virginia Penitentiary, Gothic Revival state penitentiary in Moundsville, United States.
The penitentiary features pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and stone walls constructed with local sandstone, following the architectural pattern of Joliet Correctional Center.
The prison operated from 1876 to 1995, housing thousands of inmates and witnessing multiple riots, including a major uprising in 1986 that involved hostage situations.
Between 1899 and 1959, the facility carried out 94 executions, transitioning from hanging to electric chair methods in 1951 with equipment built by inmates.
The facility currently offers guided tours lasting one hour, allowing visitors to explore the cellblocks, execution areas, and administrative sections of the prison.
The West Virginia Supreme Court determined in 1986 that the cells measuring 5x7 feet violated constitutional standards, leading to the gradual closure of the facility.
Location: Moundsville
Inception: 1876
Official opening: 1874
Architectural style: Gothic Revival
Website: http://wvpentours.com
GPS coordinates: 39.91649,-80.74237
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:23
Grave Creek Mound
199 m
Prabhupada's Palace of Gold
12.9 km
B & O Railroad Viaduct
10.6 km
Bellaire Bridge
11 km
Wheeling Island Stadium
16.5 km
West Virginia Independence Hall
16.5 km
Interstate 470 Bridge
14.9 km
Moundsville Bridge
1.1 km
Elm Grove Stone Arch Bridge
15.8 km
Center Wheeling Market
15.9 km
Donald B.
11.7 km
Chapline Street Row Historic District
16.1 km
Victoria Theater
16.8 km
Centre Market Square Historic District
16.1 km
Belleview Heights
12.4 km
Highland Park Historic District (Wheeling, West Virginia)
16.4 km
Rock Hill Presbyterian Church
13.7 km
Bennett Cockayne House
3.1 km
Harry C. and Jessie F. Franzheim House
16.8 km
Robert W. Hazlett House
16.3 km
Zweig Building
11.4 km
Lang-Hess House
16.6 km
Riverside Iron Works Office Building
16.5 km
Bushrod Washington Price House
1.1 km
Moundsville Commercial Historic District
616 m
Ferrell-Holt House
271 m
Imperial Glass Company
10.6 km
La Belle Iron Works
15 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes