Don't let the less than appealing name of Moundsville deter you from visiting this great little town. The name actually comes from the Adena Indian burial grounds located nearby. The West Virginia State Penitentiary, built in 1886 and closed in 1995, is located in Moundsville and tours are available.
Although not much to look at besides large mounds on the ground, it's what lies beneath these hills at Grave Creek Mount Historic Site that is fascinating. Successive burials by the Adena indigenous peoples over the years 150-250 BC has forever locked history in its place. On location at the Grave Creek Mound Historical Site there is the Delf Norona museum that explains the history.
The West Virginia State Penitentiary was originally built in 1886 and operated until 1995. Tours of this decaying old structure are available and include a mock hanging. Also shown on the trip is "Old Sparkie", Virginia's old electric chair. Visitors can choose to be locked up in the cells if they wish.
Address: West Virginia Penitentiary, 818 Jefferson Avenue, Moundsville, WV 26041-2235, United States
Phone: 1 (304) 845-6200, Fax: 1 (304) 843-4146
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