Every abandoned building in Pennsylvania has its own story; some are well-known, while others are lost to the pages of time. There’s one thing on which we can all probably agree, however, and that is those forgotten buildings often set our imagination on fire as we wonder what was and what might have been. A glimpse at the abandoned Creeson Prison in Pennsylvania might send a shiver down your spine as photos illustrate how life inside has simply stopped, preserved for perhaps as long as the buildings stand.

Editor’s Note: Due to the nature of abandoned destinations, many of the places featured in this series are off-limits to visitors or have actually been demolished. We do not condone trespassing and other illegal activity but rather encourage readers to enjoy learning about these fascinating destinations.

Perched atop Cresson Mountain, Cresson Prison’s story abruptly came to an end in 2013 due, in part, to the rising and unrealistic costs of its upkeep. Ever since, it has by in large stood abandoned.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contribute
Today the former prison beckons ghost hunters and curiosity-seekers, but its tale begins many years ago, long before it served as a medium-security prison, housing male inmates.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contribute
Andrew Carnegie sold the land on which the abandoned prison complex sits to Pennsylvania for just one dollar in 1911. The plan, initiated by Carnegie and developed by the state’s commissioner of health Samuel Dixon, was to build a sanatorium to care for tuberculosis patients.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contribute
At the time, many believed that the best treatment for tuberculosis was time outdoors to breathe in the fresh air and plenty of rest. Vitamin A and sufficient protein were also considered keys to combating TB.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contribute
The 500 acres on which the sanatorium would sit promised plenty of outdoor space for patients, and the complex would eventually include a collection of buildings, including for dining, housing, and administration.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contribute
Officially known as the Cresson Sanatorium, many simply referred to it as the “San.” While the first patients entered the sanatorium in January 1913, it wasn’t officially completed until June of that year.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contribute

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Eventually, the complex expanded even further, with the addition of an elementary school (children were increasingly being diagnosed with TB), a playground, a nursing school, and even a pool.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contribute
Thousands of patients came through the doors, though some never left, during its history as a sanatorium, which would transition purposes in late 1956. It then became the Allegheny State Hospital, caring for those with mental illnesses.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contribute
After several more name changes, the facility was shuttered in 1982.
Its final transition to SCI Allegheny, a medium-security correctional facility, would occur in 1984. The institution thrived for nearly three decades before closing permanently in 2013.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contribute
While the buildings may have been left abandoned, they still trigger the imagination – especially of ghost hunters. Some claim that more than 40,000 people perished at Cresson Sanatorium and Prison while the prison housed some notorious inmates, including serial killer Joseph Kallinger.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contribute
With such a storied history, it comes as little surprise that the former sanatorium is rife with tales of the paranormal. Those who have visited tell of feeling both a dark energy and as though they’re being followed if they visit the abandoned TB hospital.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contribute
Some have seen apparitions while others tell of hearing voices or strange sounds when no one is there. The tales are so rampant, in fact, that ghost hunts are hosted regularly at the abandoned tuberculosis hospital and Pennsylvania prison.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contribute
Big House Produce offers a long list of activities on these hallowed grounds – guided tours, ghost hunts, photography opportunities, and even a terrifying haunted house during the Halloween season.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contribute
Learn how you can visit this abandoned Pennsylvania prison on the Big House Produce website.

OnlyInYourState’s Vacant highlights fascinating abandoned places across America — from a vast ghost town with a tragic history and a renaissance festival left forgotten to the largest abandoned industrial facility in the entire world. Explore all 11 destinations here. Special thanks to Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo of Odd World Studio for the photos used in this article. For more images, you can check out his website, Architectural Afterlife.

Have you been to this abandoned prison in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Did you know that there’s also a haunted bridge in Pennsylvania?

If you want to explore more fun attractions in Massachusetts, make sure to check out Trusted Tours.

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More to Explore

Cresson Prison

Megan McDonald | October 13, 2023

Why did Cresson State Prison close?

Cresson State Prison, officially known as the State Correctional Institution at Cresson, located in Pennsylvania, was closed in 2013. The closure came amid various controversies and issues, including concerns about treating inmates, particularly those with mental health issues.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) conducted an investigation into the institution and found that there were systematic constitutional violations. The DOJ reported that Cresson often subjected prisoners, especially those with mental illness, to excessive periods of solitary confinement and failed to provide adequate mental health care. The conditions and practices at Cresson were found to be harmful and in violation of the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishments.

What are the creepiest abandoned buildings in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania, with its extensive industrial history and numerous old institutions, has a variety of abandoned buildings that many perceive as creepy, often due to their dilapidated state, historical context, or associated legends and stories.

Here are some of the creepiest abandoned buildings in Pennsylvania:

  • Pennhurst State School and Hospital: Located in Spring City, Pennhurst has a dark history related to mistreating its residents, individuals with mental disabilities. The abandoned buildings and underground tunnels are often described as haunting and have been the subject of various paranormal investigations.
  • Eastern State Penitentiary: In Philadelphia, this former prison, with its crumbling cellblocks and guard towers, is renowned for its eerie atmosphere. It's open for tours and is known for its annual haunted house event.
  • Allegheny Asylum: Also known as the Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, this place has a history of patient mistreatment and is often cited as haunted.
  • Bryn Athyn Train Station: This abandoned train station has an eerie and desolate vibe with its dilapidated structure and empty tracks.
  • Cresson State Prison: As previously mentioned, this prison was closed amid controversies and concerns about the treatment of inmates. The abandoned facility, with its empty cells and facilities, is quite eerie.
  • Linfield Industrial Park: This abandoned industrial site in Linfield spans over 192 acres and contains numerous empty, decaying buildings, which have been left to the elements for decades.

 

Exploring abandoned buildings can be dangerous and is often illegal. Always respect private property and local laws, and never attempt to enter an unsafe structure. If you're interested in exploring such locations, look for organized tours or events that have obtained the necessary permissions and can ensure a safe experience.

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