Explore the Historical Charm of Moundsville, West Virginia
Embark on a captivating day trip to Moundsville, West Virginia, a small town brimming with Gothic-style architecture, ancient burial grounds, and a fascinating prison-turned-tourist attraction.
Nestled along the picturesque Ohio River in Marshall County, Moundsville was established in 1771 by the Tomlinson brothers from England. Originally known as Grave Creek, the town derived its name from the ancient Adena burial mound that dates back more than 2,000 years.
Steeped in coal mining history, Moundsville was once a thriving hub for various industries including iron, glassware, tanneries, plastics, and abrasives manufacturing. However, today, tourism takes center stage, with Moundsville being a prominent landmark on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail.
One of Moundsville’s most famous attractions is the West Virginia Penitentiary, located on Jefferson Avenue. Built in 1867, this century-old, brick medieval-style prison is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It housed 840 cells for men and 32 cells for women before the female prisoners were transferred to a new facility in 1947.
Although the penitentiary closed its doors in 1995, it has evolved into a major tourist destination. The Moundsville Economic Development Council now operates the prison and offers a wide range of guided tours, including historical tours, paranormal tours, escape room games, and photography tours.
During the guided tours, visitors can explore various sections of the prison, including the cafeteria, cell blocks, recreation yard, art room, and the infamous “Old Sparky,” the decommissioned electric chair. The tour guides provide a wealth of historical information and encourage interactive Q&A sessions to enhance the visitor experience.
Residents such as Joanne Ray have lived near the prison for decades, finding solace in the Gothic imagery it adds to the neighborhood. Ray recounts how the prisoners used to holler at her from the windows, leading the state to install block windows to ensure their privacy.
Moundsville native Wes Hudson, who works at the penitentiary, highlights the impact of tourism on the town, citing its appeal to people interested in the paranormal as well as those with historical connections to the prison.
Heather and Tim Gordon, visitors from Arizona, explain that their trip to the prison was a bucket-list item due to their fascination with the paranormal. They were pleasantly surprised by the historical significance and the impressive artwork created by the inmates. During their tour, they even experienced an unexplained loud noise, adding to the mystique of the place.
Beth Thacker, another Moundsville resident, shares her family’s connection to the prison, with her grandfather and uncle having worked there. Working at the prison is now her favorite job, and she takes pride in showcasing the town’s history and paranormal activity to visitors from all over the world.
Currently, the prison offers tours from April to November, catering to visitors of all ages. Its unique blend of history, Gothic architecture, and reported paranormal activity make it a must-visit destination for anyone intrigued by the darker side of history.
To plan your visit to the West Virginia Penitentiary and learn more about Moundsville’s attractions, visit their official website at www.wvpentours.com.
Joyce Hanz is a staff writer for Tribune-Review. You can contact Joyce via email at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter.
