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Eastern State Penitentary

The Eastern State Penitentiary opened in 1829 under the theory that the character of inmates could be changed by placing them alone in individual cells for extended periods of time, forcing them into self-reflection and spiritual change. Although this use of solitary confinement ultimately proved both cruel and ineffective and was soon abandoned, the radial "wagon-wheel" floor plan was copied throughout the world. The prison was deemed obsolete and abandoned in 1971 and was later stabilized as a fascinating, crumbling ruin and tourist attraction.

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