While visiting Philadelphia with my niece Melissa, we visited the Eastern State Penitentiary. Described as the first 'true penitentiary', a prison designed to inspire penitence - or true regret - in the hearts of criminals. Completed in 1829, the original seven cell blocks were designed to isolate the prisoners with no interaction, based on the belief that solitude will make the criminal regretful and penitent (hence the new word, Penitentiary). This correctional theory, as practiced in Philadelphia, became known as the Pennsylvania System. It was abandoned at Eastern State Penitentiary in 1913.

It is an interesting place to visit and look at how criminal punishment has changed over time. The prison officially closed in 1970. It is amazing to even think it was in use at that time as many of the structures look so outdated. Some of its famous inmates include "Scarface" Al Capone, and bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton.

More information can be found at www.easternstate.org

An interesting place to take photos and try to capture the essence of the place.