Previous photo Eastern State Penitentiary | Behind the Walls Next photo
Spinal

Spinal

The last steps to access the top of the central guard tower.

The original design did not have a central guard tower at all since inmates never left their cells (in the days of constant solitary confinement), but when those ideals were discontinued circa 1913, a wooden tower was built. Although sturdy, it proved to be a fire hazard, and was replaced with a new tower housed in corrugated metal in 1951.
Bookmark and Share More info
comments

Please remember that the comments posted here are not the opinions of opacity.us or its affiliates.

Neato
Eddie
Fri 06-27-2008
Oh god, I rember going up a set like these in an old cold storage building. By the time I got up to the top I was dizzy and out of breath!
Shawnerr
Fri 06-27-2008
That looks very modern and no decay!
jackieb
Mon 06-30-2008
Looks like it belongs in a fire house. It looks like it was/ is very well taken care of.
DSH
Sat 07-05-2008
Such amazing work. What I wouldn't give to go on location with you.
Lorna
Thu 07-24-2008
I LOVE spiral stairs. What a great shot.
Aggie
Fri 08-01-2008
Cool!
Tvangeste
Wed 08-27-2008
i always did like those spiral stairs. i would fall down them though. best i not ever built one in my house.
Jade Jean
Tue 09-09-2008
Intense steps, I had to climb a set like that once to get to the top of a lighthouse, they're killer O_O
Abby
Sat 12-20-2008
Omg this place gets better and better !!!
Rondlaine
Thu 05-07-2009
If I go here, I'm gonna climb that
ilovehorseyrides
Sun 03-21-2010
luv stairs like that!!!!!!!!!!
meg
Tue 04-27-2010
I didn't climb that :(
ilovehorseyrides
Sat 10-09-2010
again motts... how did you get there? That is the best part of the building yet it is off limits. I would love to see you in action one day.
Andrew
Tue 10-26-2010

Comments pertaining to real location names, methods of entering the property, promotions or advertisements, off-topic discussion and general flaming, as well as those submitted under various aliases are subject to immediate deletion and your ip address being banned from this website. By submitting your comment you agree to these terms. Visit the forum for off-topic and general discussion. To prevent your comment from being removed and to help keep this site uncluttered, please read more about comments on opacity.

Memories and stories from past employees, visitors or patients are gratefully welcomed, they help keep these places alive!

 
Previous photo Eastern State Penitentiary | Behind the Walls Next photo