West Virginia State Penitentiary

Kickstands up at 9:30 heading north on route 2; George was leading today and we were heading about 80 miles to the West Virginia State Penitentiary which was built in 1866 and closed in 1995. The tour, which was 2 hours, was very informative and well worth the visit. The stories were chilling and mindboggling as to why someone would continue their life of crime and return to such a place over and over again. The cells were maybe 4 by 6 with a metal cot hanging from the wall and a toilet with a wash basin just above it; cement walls with iron bars on the front facing the walkway. We were given a chance to get inside a cell and the guide ‘locked down’ and it was a strange feeling hearing those metal doors slam shut. I found it very interesting that the warden lived on the 4th floor with his family; his children played in the same yard as the prisoners and the people caring for his children, cleaning his house and even cooking his meals were the ‘ trusties’ meaning they were prisoners but very well behaved prisoners. Give me a break! The ride to and back was wonderful. A mountain range to our immediate left, the Ohio river to our right and then another mountain range just past the river. In the distance you can see the trees on the mountains are just beginning to display some fall color. The air was crisp today. After our tour George lead us to a cafeteria for a late lunch so tonight we will probably eat at the Pub right here in the hotel and socialize.