Mayomensing Prison: Philadelphia’s Historic Prison and the Site of H.H. Holmes' Execution

Mayomensing Prison was once one of Philadelphia’s most famous and feared jails. Built in the early 1830s, it stood at the corner of Passyunk (pronounced Pass-Yunk) Avenue and Reed Street in South Philadelphia. Passyunk Avenue was once a main thoroughfare for the Lenape Tribe.

Its thick stone walls and castle-like towers made it look more like a fortress than a city jail. For more than a hundred years, Mayomensing was where thousands of prisoners waited for trial, served short sentences, or, in some cases, faced execution. Today, it is known as the place where America’s first known serial killer, H. H. Holmes, was executed.

Designed by U.S. Capitol Architect

The prison was designed by architect Thomas Ustick Walter, who later helped design parts of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Mayomensing officially opened in 1835 and was built using granite from local quarries. At the time, it was modern and impressive, with a layout meant to keep prisoners separated. Over the years, however, the prison became overcrowded, and conditions grew harsh. Despite this, the Mayomensing Prison stayed an important part of Philadelphia’s justice system for over a century.

The Death of H.H. Holmes

Herman Webster Mudgett, better known as H. H. Holmes, is one of the most notorious figures connected to Mayomensing Prison. Holmes was a con artist and murderer who became infamous during the late 19th century. He built a strange building in Chicago during the 1893 World’s Fair, which became known as his “Murder Castle.” There, he allegedly lured victims with promises of jobs or lodging, only to rob and kill them. The real number of Holmes’s victims remains a mystery.

After he was captured for insurance fraud and murder, Holmes was tried and convicted for killing his ‘business partner,’ Benjamin Pitezel. His trial shocked the public and made headlines across the country. On May 7, 1896, Holmes was hanged at Mayomensing Prison. Reports from the time say that Holmes remained calm and even smiling as he faced the gallows, a detail that added to his chilling reputation. His execution drew a large crowd outside the prison, with many people eager to witness the end of one of America’s most infamous criminals.

Right before the floor fell out from under him, Holmes denied any wrongdoing in the Pietzel cases. However, he did admit to killing two women during medical surgeries but provided no names. Then, the trap doors opened. H.H. Holmes was declared dead thirty minutes later.

The End of Mayomensing Prison

Mayomensing Prison continued to operate into the 20th century but eventually became outdated. By the 1960s, the city of Philadelphia decided the old building could no longer meet modern standards for housing prisoners. It was closed and razed in 1967. Today, a shopping center, anchored by the ACME Supermarket and other businesses stand on the site. All that remains of the prison are some small sections of the walls (watch video above) and a historical marker to tell the prison’s story. That historical marker was missing for a long time and was recently replaced.

Conclusion

Although Mayomensing Prison is gone, its history stays important. It reflects both the growth of Philadelphia and the darker parts of America’s past, including crime, punishment, and the fascination with notorious criminals like H. H. Holmes. Remembering places like Mayomensing helps us understand how the criminal justice and prison system have changed over time and how even long-demolished buildings can leave a lasting mark on a city’s history.