New Jersey is home to some truly terrifying places. You'll find eerie old homes, cemeteries, roads, hospitals, and more! One of our scariest (and most interesting!) attractions is a haunted prison. The prisoners here must have forgotten that they were only serving life sentences...
Vintage photo of Burlington County Prison.
The Burlington County Prison in Mount Holly was open from 1811 - 1965. At the time of its closure, it was the oldest operating prison in the United States. Over the years, there were several hangings and the prison was temporarily home to notorious convicts including Albert DeSalvo, also known as "The Boston Strangler."
A modern-day photo of Burlington County Prison.
One of the first executions at Burlington County Prison was that of Joel Clough. The young man murdered his lover after she refused to marry him. He claims to have had no remorse. According to historic records, Joel’s body is buried on the prison's grounds. It's said that you'll find more than his body if you visit..his spirit lingers behind. The final execution through Burlington County Prison was in 1906. In 1907, the state took over that morbid responsibility. Two men convicted of robbery and murder were hanged in what became quite the spectacle. The prison is believed to have used thin rope for lengthier executions and increased suffering.
The inside of a cell.
Burlington County Prison has also seen its share of murder. On November 5th, 1920, the warden was bringing medicine to a prisoner in the basement. After opening the cell door, he was beaten with an iron rod and killed. The inmate headed toward the kitchen and murdered another prisoner. The basement is said to be the most haunted area in the complex.
An eerie inmate drawing.
Another spooky spot is the "death cell" or "dungeon." This cement cell was where prisoners spent their final days before being executed. An abysmal place, those convicted of death were chained to the ground. You can still see the original chain if you visit and many say that it rattles!
A prison hallway.
Shadowy figures, disembodied voices and abnormal EVP and magnetic readings have also been reported.During a recent renovation, workers reported missing tools, the feeling of being watched while alone, and screams with no logical source.
Burlington County Prison is now a museum and you can take tours! Are you brave enough?
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