Is the West Virginia Penitentiary Haunted?

Is the West Virginia Penitentiary haunted? In this episode Pat and Rebecca explore the history and hauntings of this famous prison.  Visitors and tour guides claim to experience disembodied voices, strange noises, apparitions, and touches by unseen hands. Is it true? Listen and vote!

Questions Explored in this Episode

When and why was the penitentiary built? How was it built and did they treat the prisoners well? How many people died while in the prison? What went wrong with several executions at the location?  Who haunts the place and what activity have people seen? Are there shadow people at the prison? Is it haunted?

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Cells where the prison’s worst inmates were kept. VitaleBaby at en.wikipedia – Own work Transferred from en.wikipedia Taken June 14, 2011.Listener Mail

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History of West Virginia Penitentiary

Pat explores the history of the prison. Born from the split of West Virginia from Virginia, the penitentiary used prisoners to build the cells. Over the years, many prisoners were executed here. First by hanging, then by “Old Sparky,” the electric chair. It closed after the courts ruled its cell cruel and unusual.

The Debate

Pat and Rebecca debate if the prison is haunted. The Sugar Shack is considered one of the most haunted areas of the prison along with the cell block including the infamous William “Red” Snyder. Evidence includes a spooky photo and many reports over the years. Is it haunted?

The original Old Sparky on display
VitaleBaby at English Wikipedia – Own work
“Old Sparky” electric chair on display at West Virginia State PenitentiaryDone Listening to the Episode?

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Sources for this Week’s Episode
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Virginia_Penitentiary
West Virginia Penitentiary: https://wvpentours.com/tours/
Amys Crypt: https://amyscrypt.com/haunted-west-virginia-penitentiary/
Adelaide’s Haunted Horizons – https://adelaidehauntedhorizons.com.au/haunted-west-virginia-penitentiary-moundsville/
Legends of America – https://www.legendsofamerica.com/west-virginia-penitentiary/
WTRF.com: https://www.wtrf.com/moundsville/destination-west-virginia-the-history-and-the-mystery-of-the-moundsville-penitentiary/
Travel Channel: https://www.travelchannel.com/shows/ghost-adventures/articles/moundsvilles-haunted-history
West Virginia Explore – https://wvexplorer.com/2022/07/31/west-virginia-state-penitentiary-moundsville-strange-history/
YouTube “Most Haunted Prison WV Penitentiary Moundsville (Feat. Paranormal Quest) Adelaide Haunted Horizons- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrNEiJXDXIo

Music for this episode was performed by Michael Rivers
Intro: “III. Allegro moderato from Gargoyles” by Lowell Liebermann
Outro: “Dream Images (Love-Death Music)” by George Crumb
Bumper: “Ghost Waltz” by Lowell Liebermann

“Pat Facts” and “Ghost Story” themes by Mondo
“Time for a Debate” theme by Gail Gallagher gailgallaghermusic.com