A DAY TOUR INVESTIGATION
The first execution at the Penitentiary took place in 1899. A total of 94 men were executed at Moundsville Prison. From 1899-1949, eighty-five men were hung, and, from 1951-1959, nine men were electrocuted by "Old Sparky." The last execution by hanging in the State of West Virginia took place in 1949. In 1951 the State began using the electric chair, until the state abolished the death penalty in 1959.
In later years, the prison had many disturbances, such as riots and escapes. The prison population, in the 1960's, peaked with a total of 2,000 prisoners. However, new prisons were being built in other areas, and by the time the facility closed, prisoners decreased to 600-700.
In 1986, the West Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the prison's 5 x 7 cells were cruel and unusual punishment. Moundsville then, closed its doors in 1995. After the prison closed, the Moundsville Economic Development Council obtained a 25-year lease on the facility. The prison has been named to the National Register of Historic Places, and is used for historical and educational tours, as well as paranormal investigations. It is also the National Corrections and Law Enforcement Training and Technology Center.
