We arrived around 8:40 and I was surprised at how small the city is! All of the red lights in our route were blinking as a 4-way stop. The streets were completely empty. We found our way to the penitentiary and headed in. It was already blazing hot at 8:45. We checked out the tiny gift shop before waiting for 9:00. The restroom was a porta-potty - not what you want to see on a blistering hot day.
The tour started promptly at 9 and we had a blast. Below are pictures from the tour.
We gathered under a tree outside to start the tour and hear a few stories in the shade because it was so hot out. This cross is for Mike - Mike is a cat. He was caught smuggling drugs back and forth between BUILDINGS! Inmates made him a pack that was camouflaged into his fur and he had a daily route. He went unsuspected for a long time.
We headed into Building 4 first. It also served as a fallout shelter in its day.
Sonny Lister's cell
(he learned to box here and later became a Heavyweight Champion)
Also in Building 4 was the "dungeon" or isolation. Our tour group split into 2 groups so each half could go into a cell. The guide turned off the light to leave us in total darkness for 30 seconds. You could see NOTHING but dark. I can't imagine those who were in here for long periods of time. At that time, discretion was up to the guards. Some men went blind. Imagine having more than 1 person in here, seeing nothing, and having to scramble to find the food pushed in by guards? Or figure out IN THE DARK which bucket is clear water vs. the latrine?!?
We then headed to Building 3. This building has cells in the middle with walkways on either side. This building was home to Pretty Boy Floyd and James Earl Ray.
the crank opened the windows
After this building, we went to the Gas Chamber.
on walkway to chamber
phone for last minute stays or pardons
the chamber has 2 chairs
After the Pen tour, we headed out for lunch. Options were limited so we opted for Prison Brews.
We visited the Missouri Museum of Military History. On a side note, this was a nice break from the sun! The a/c was perfect.
We ended the day at the Capital building. We opted out of a tour and strolled around at our leisure. It's such a beautiful building!
We made time for some ice cream at Central Dairy, which was recommended by everyone!
Overall, such an easy day trip! I'd recommend the Pen tour but doing it in Fall or Spring as there is not air/heat in the building.
Danielle
