Questions and Answers
How was Eastern State Penitentiary different from the Walnut Street Jail?
Eastern State Penitentiary had inmates in solitary confinement for reflection on their crimes, while Walnut Street Jail was a holding pen with inmates in a shared space.
When the penitentiary was first opened, did the inmates have life sentences?
False
What was the name of the prison architect?
John Haviland
What types of punishment were shown in the first cell block during the audio tour?
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What was the name of the organization that promoted improving conditions of jails and correctional facilities in the US?
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What were the most common offenses for which female inmates were incarcerated at Eastern State Penitentiary?
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How many prisoners were housed in each cell when the penitentiary first opened in 1829?
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What was the purpose of Cellblock 15 and how many people were executed there?
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How many people attempted to escape from Eastern State Penitentiary, and how many were never caught?
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How did the increase in the number of people incarcerated at Eastern State Penitentiary impact the original philosophy?
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What were the most common types of offenses that men were incarcerated for at Eastern State Penitentiary in the 1800s?
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What were the differences between the Pennsylvania System of incarceration and the New York System?
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How much time did the original inmates spend in their cell and in their exercise yard?
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State the year when Eastern State Penitentiary closed and explain three reasons for its closure.
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What are three reasons why the incarceration rate has increased in the US in the last 45 years?
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Which religions were observed by some inmates at Eastern State Penitentiary, and where were services held?
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What was the purpose of the 'Klondike' or 'The Hole'?
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What were the names of two most famous inmates at Eastern State Penitentiary?
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Study Notes
Eastern State Penitentiary vs. Walnut Street Jail
- Eastern State Penitentiary emphasized solitary confinement for reflection on crimes, contrasting with the communal setup of Walnut Street Jail.
Inmate Sentencing at Eastern State Penitentiary
- Opened in 1829, inmates initially served sentences ranging from 2 to 8 years, not life sentences.
Architect of Eastern State Penitentiary
- The prison was designed by architect John Haviland.
Punishments Prior to Incarceration
- Four punishments used instead of imprisonment included Whippings, Heavy Executions, Heavy Fines, and Stocks and Branding.
Founders of the Philadelphia Society
- Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Benjamin Rush were instrumental in founding "The Philadelphia Society for Alleviating Miseries of Public Persons," which aimed to reform jail conditions.
Female Inmates' Common Offenses
- Women incarcerated at Eastern State were primarily charged with disorderly conduct and non-violent robberies.
Prisoner Capacity Upon Opening
- Each cell housed only one prisoner when the penitentiary first opened in 1829.
Purpose of Cellblock 15
- Cellblock 15 was designated for individuals awaiting execution; however, no executions actually occurred there.
Escape Attempts and Success
- Approximately 100 inmates attempted to escape Eastern State Penitentiary, with only one successfully escaping.
Evolution of Inmate Interaction
- The initial philosophy of isolation shifted to allowing inmate interaction as prison populations grew.
Common Offenses for Men in the 1800s
- Men were commonly incarcerated for crimes such as robbery, burglary, forgery, and murder during the 1800s.
Incarceration Systems Comparison
- The Pennsylvania System focused on isolation, while the New York System allowed inmates to work and eat together, promoting interaction.
Daily Schedule for Inmates
- Original inmates spent 23 hours in their cells and only 1 hour in the exercise yard.
Closure of Eastern State Penitentiary
- Closed in 1971 due to overcrowding, decay, and a lack of funding.
Rising Incarceration Rates
- Contributing factors to increased incarceration rates in the last 45 years include the war on drugs, racial issues, and mandatory minimum sentences.
Religious Observances
- Services for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam were conducted for inmates participating in religious practices at Eastern State.
Use of "The Hole"
- "The Hole" served as a place for complete solitary confinement, designated for punishment.
Notable Inmates
- Two famous inmates at Eastern State were Al Capone and John Dillinger.
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Test your knowledge on key differences in penal systems with these flashcards. Focus on notable institutions like Eastern State Penitentiary and Walnut Street Jail. This quiz will enhance your understanding of criminal behavior and correctional facilities.
