The story
The West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville operated from 1866 until 1995, a castellated Gothic stone prison built largely by inmate labour that, over its long life, saw executions by hanging and later the electric chair, as well as riots, including a deadly one in 1986, and many violent deaths. Conditions were harsh enough that courts eventually found the cramped cells unconstitutional. Preserved today, it offers history and paranormal tours and overnight investigations. Its hard past underpins a strong haunted reputation, with visitors and ghost-hunting groups reporting shadow figures, disembodied voices, footsteps, the feeling of being touched and cold spots, with stories attached to the basement, the former death-row area and particular cells. These accounts should be presented as visitor experiences and legend rather than proven phenomena, and the genuine history of incarceration, punishment and death handled with care. Current tour schedules and admission should be confirmed from the official site before publishing.