This Abandoned Prison Had A DeathRow Dungeon

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Nestled in the heart of americas coal country, the old Cambria County Jail in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania stands as a testament to the region's complex history and evolving justice system. The history of Cambria County Jail is not just the tale of a correctional facility; it's a story that intertwines with the narratives of the people, the laws, and historical events that have shaped its existence. From its inception to its evolution over the decades, the jail has witnessed countless significant incidents; including homicides, suicides, escapes, and even eleven publicly attended executions inside the prisons gallows all factually took place at this once notorious jail. It is also for this reason that many locals claim the jail to be one of the most haunted places in America. There have been several books written about the hauntings, but most notably, the old Cambria County Jail was featured on an episode of Paranormal Lockdown in 2018 and Destination Fear in 2020.
Perhaps the oldest we have ever explored, Cambria County Jail dates back to 1872, a whopping 153 years ago. And still today its protruding tower soars six-stories tall, high above the small hard working industrial city below. Its characteristically jagged 22-foot tall substantial stone wall surrounds the entire property. It’s dark sandstone facade and Gothic Revival architecture certainly helps live up to its decades long nickname of “the old stone jail.”
Problems for the Cambria County Jail began almost right away, as the original medieval looking cell block only had 27 cells with each having a swallow depth and a low curved ceiling, would have been busting at the seems with only 50 inmates. One of the original 1872 cells was also covered in steel bars, as this would have been the one cell dedicated to inmates on death row.
Within just the first couple of years, the jail had a steady population of approximately 125 inmates, almost three times its capacity. After overcrowding became such a serious problem, a new cell block was finally built in 1910. This new cell block was designed with modern steel bars, was rectangular shaped, measured at four tiers tall, and now held up to 200 inmates and alleviated much of the overcrowding.
By the late 20th century, the facility was deemed inadequate due to deteriorating conditions, increasing maintenance costs, and modern security concerns. Finally, after 125 years and countless tragedies, the old stone jail was closed in 1997 after a new county jail was built nearby. After sitting abandoned for nearly 25 years, the old Cambria County Jail was finally sold and as of 2025, renovations are underway. The old stone jail will become retail space, office space, event space, and even a Wi-Fi cafe.
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