Moyamensing Prison
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Opened in 1835, Thomas U. Walter designed it with elements of Egyptian Revival style and following the revolutionary principle of isolated confinement. With later additions, it could house nearly 5000 inmates - African Americans and women in separate wings. H. H. Holmes, considered Americas first serial killer, was executed here. The last hanging in Pa. took place here in 1916, soon replaced by electrocution. Closed in 1963, it was razed in 1968.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
When Moyamensing Prison opened in 1835, it embodied a wave of American penal reform that gripped Philadelphia in the early republic — the belief that isolating inmates could reform them. Designed by Thomas U. Walter, later architect of the U.S. Capitol dome, its striking Egyptian Revival lines housed thousands, with African Americans and women confined in separate wings. Over its long life it saw notorious moments, including the execution of H. H. Holmes and Pennsylvania's last hanging in 1916, before closing in 1963 and being demolished five years later.
Why it matters
The prison stands as a landmark in the American experiment with incarceration and reform, reflecting both the era's high ideals about rehabilitation and the hard realities of race, gender, and punishment.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial1.1 mi away
- Hill-Physick House1.1 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Bridgette Mayer1.2 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Powel House1.2 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Congress Hall1.3 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall1.3 mi away · PA
Attractions
- Italian market0.5 mi away · Christian Street
- USS Becuna1.3 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Olympia1.3 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States1.3 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall1.3 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell1.3 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden1.1 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily1.1 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon1.2 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut1.2 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill1.2 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thank You Thank You Coffee Roasters1.2 mi away · 700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Alexander Inn1.0 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites1.0 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City1.1 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Morris House Hotel1.1 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City1.2 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express1.2 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Thomas U. Walter
- · H. H. Holmes
Themes & tags
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