Jefferson City may be known as Missouri’s capital city, but it’s also home to one of the state’s most compelling historic sites. Opened in 1836, the Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) is an immersive historic attraction, offering a variety of guided tours that appeal to both history buffs and paranormal thrill-seekers alike. See why a trip to this infamous prison should be on your bucket list!
The Missouri State Penitentiary was the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi River.
The Missouri State Penitentiary received its first inmate in 1836 for stealing a watch. As the only prison closest to the Western Territories at the time, the penitentiary accepted any type of inmate, which led to severe overcrowding. At its peak in 1935, there were a recorded 5,300 inmates who resided on the property. Although Alcatraz is one of the most renowned prisons in the United States, it didn’t become a federal penitentiary until 1934 – MSP had already been in operation for 98 years. Surrounded by limestone walls with Jefferson City growing around it, MSP operated for 168 years until it was decommissioned in 2004.
Several notorious inmates walked these halls.
While the penitentiary’s history includes many dark chapters, it is also filled with moments of transformation and impact.
One of the most significant figures connected to the prison is Sonny Liston, the future heavyweight boxing champion. Liston began boxing while incarcerated, and after his release, quickly rose to global fame.
Other stories reflect broader social change. Activists such as Emma Goldman and Katie Richards O’Hare were once imprisoned there, using their time inside to advocate for reform.
Today, guests walk through once-overcrowded housing units, experiencing the same hallways as several notorious inmates, including bank robber Charles Arthur “Pretty Boy” Floyd and James Earl Ray. Previous inmates are not glorified, rather, guides share the history, their stories, and how they have shaped the world we live in today.
The MSP Museum adds another dimension to the prison experience.
With the purchase of a tour ticket comes free admission to the Missouri State Penitentiary Museum ($2 admission without a tour). The museum houses a collection of prison memorabilia from its time in operation. Located in the lower level of the Col. Darwin W. Marmaduke Home, guests are greeted with a replica cell, inmate artwork, contraband, and more.
After Dark at the Penitentiary.
Those seeking a different kind of experience can explore MSP’s ghost tours. These tours shift from history to the unexplained, giving visitors the opportunity to learn stories of those who some believe still roam the halls or to roll up their sleeves and learn to hunt or investigate paranormal activity on one of the overnight investigations. There’s a reason why MSP is featured on popular shows like Ghost Hunters, Destination Fear, Portals to Hell, and many others. See for yourself why people return year after year to hunt for the supernatural!
Tours of the Missouri State Penitentiary are offered March-November. Lock up your tour today!
Photography credit: Visit Missouri
