The most significant building project of its time; Eastern State Penitentiary was designed to reshape the mind of an inmate; rather than punish the body of one. It was believed that by keeping prisoners isolated in the chapel-like cells the inner light of their souls would emerge; leading them to discover penitence. In reality; the isolation was nearly impossible to maintain; and the lofty goals of thefounders crumbled in the 20th century; much like the building itself. Originally located on the outskirts of Philadelphia; the city eventually expanded and swallowed up the prison. Its unique location becameproblematic; and numerous escapes and riots threatened the civilian populace in the area. The prison was home to such well-known figures as Chicago mob boss Al Capone and bank robber Willie Sutton; once the most wanted man in America. Eastern State Penitentiary chronicles the history of this massive prison from its opening in 1829 to its closing and abandonment in 1971; and finally to the rebirth of the prison in the 1990s as a thriving historic site and national historic landmark.
#1529437 in eBooks 2006-08-07 2006-08-07File Name: B009A5GT06
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An okay book.By Casey BThe book is too much of a picture book which is not what I thought the book would be. It does have a lot of informative information.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Early Years in Michigans Copper CountryBy motorcitymanThe photos are strong in this book. Describes the Copper Countrys booming era of mining and lumber where thousands of non-English speaking immigrant workers found work that provided hope of owning their own (small) farms. My understanding was advanced as both of my grandfathers did exactly this.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good background on Houghton area historyBy sgodmereThis book contains some good photos and historical quips on the Houghton area. Mining history and area overview guide the reader into a brief history of what makes Houghton County what it is today.
