New Jersey is home to hundreds of haunted spots. We’ve got the creepiest old homes, cemeteries, roads, asylums and battlefields, but one of our spookiest attractions is a haunted prison. Many inmates were sentenced for life, but it seems some stayed longer than that. With all the horrors that happened here, it’s no surprise.
Burlington County Prison in 1937.
Located in Mount Holly, the Burlington County Prison operated between 1811 - 1965. At the time of its closure, it was the oldest operating prison in the United States. The prison was known for public hangings and housed notorious inmates including Albert DeSalvo, later known as "The Boston Strangler."
Burlington County Prison today.
One of the first executions handled by Burlington County Prison was that of Joel Clough. The 29-year-old murdered his lover after she refused his proposal. It is said that he had no remorse. According to public records from the time, Joel’s body is buried on prison grounds. According to legend, his spirit still remains.
The last execution handled by Burlington County Prison was in 1906 – the State of New Jersey took over executions the following year. Two men, co-conspirators in a robbery/murder, were ceremoniously hanged in a very public spectacle. The prison was known to use thinner than average rope, which led to lengthier executions and significant suffering.
A standard cell.
In addition to executions, Burlington County Prison has seen its share of murder. On November 5th, 1920, Warden William Harry King was delivering medicine to a prisoner in a basement-level group holding cell. After opening the cell door, he was battered with an iron rod and killed instantly. The prisoner then headed toward the kitchen and murdered another inmate. The basement is believed to be one of the most haunted parts of the prison.
Inmate drawing on a cell wall.
Another haunted spot is the "death cell," also known as the "dungeon." This cement box was the spot where prisoners spent their last days of life before execution. They were chained to the ground by their ankles, with limited outside contact. The original chain still remains in the cell and many report that it moves on its own.
A corridor in the prison.
Other paranormal occurrences include shadowy figures, disembodied voices and off-the-charts magnetic readings. The prison is now a museum, and during renovations, workers reported tools going missing, feelings of being watched, and screams with no known source.Burlington County Prison was investigated by paranormal investigators along with psychic mediums, who believe they have found clear evidence that the prison is haunted. If you’re feeling brave, watch the footage in the following video made by the Greater Western New York Paranormal Society:
Spooked out? I AM! Are you brave enough to explore the prison for yourself? Even if you don’t believe in paranormal activity, I’d still recommend giving this spot a visit. It’s a unique piece of history and the employees are truly helpful and informative. Have you ever been to Burlington County Prison? Share your experiences in the comments.
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