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Seekers of the unknown are always listening for stories to find new places to visit. Whether it would be someone’s home or business they wait to hear what one has to say. But there is one location that all paranormal seekers are well aware of – the West Virginia State Penitentiary located in Moundsville, W.Va., also known as the Moundsville Prison.
In 1863, after West Virginia seceded from Virginia, Governor Arthur I. Boreman began lobbying to build a state penitentiary. Three years later, after being denied several times and options to use other facilities had failed, the Legislature approved action to build a state prison. And in 1876 the gothic-style prison was completed.
Over the years Moundsville Prison had housed many prisoners and at one time was the home to over 2,000 inmates. Many criminals from across the state would enter only to find out they would never leave and have a life outside the walls again. In 1899, the prison had its first of 85 executions by hanging. Nine others met their fate by the electric chair that has been nicknamed “Old Sparky.” Out of the 94 men whose lives were taken, 82 were murderers. But these were not the only deaths that occurred at the prison. It has been recorded that 36 inmates were murdered by other inmates. Moundsville Prison became one of the most violent correctional facilities in the country. And in 1995 Moundsville Prison transported the last of the prisoners to other facilities and closed its doors. Or did it?
Inmates believed that if you were to die within the walls of the prison your soul would never be able to leave. One prisoner, William “Red” Snyder, is believed to be one of the souls that remains. Sixteen days after serving 32 months in prison Snyder shot and killed his father and a neighbor. He returned to Moundsville Prison only this time he would not be released. In the morning hours of Nov. 16, 1992, Snyder was walking out of his cell and stabbed multiple times by his friend and died.
In my years of seeking I have visited this place many times and have walked away with interesting stories to tell. But when it comes to talking about “Red” there is one that stands out the most. A few years ago I made a visit to his cell that is located at the far end of the North Hall.
The cell was only five feet by seven feet which was just big enough to have a bed, sink and a toilet. I decided to go by myself into the area to eliminate possible contamination on my recorder. I did my normal routine asking questions and talking about the location while recording. Nothing seemed to have happened while I was there but I later found out that I was not alone like I had thought. A man’s voice can be clearly heard on my recorder saying “weapon.” I can not say it is, but I do have a hard time believing that this recording is anyone else other than William “Red” Snyder. Ever since that day each time I visit the prison I always spend a little time sitting in Red’s cell, waiting to see if he would like to talk again.
Many seekers believe that Moundsville Prison is one of the most haunted locations on the east coast due to the amount of activity they encounter while visiting. With tours being available, you too can visit. But if you do, be sure to stop by and say “Hello” to Red.
Tom Moore is a founding member of Mid-Ohio Valley Ghost Hunters and has been conducting research for 14 years. He can be reached at tom.movgh@gmail.com.