Missouri State Penitentiary

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Built in the 1830s, the Missouri State Penitentiary was the oldest operating prison west of the Mississippi when it closed in 2004. Over that long tenure, some big names in American history were put behind bars. Most famously, James Earl Ray, the murderer of Civil Rights Hero Martin Luther King Jr. But there are some other names you might not know that offer a bit of insight into the American judicial system. Activist Emma Goldman was imprisoned her for “Anarchy” (really, it was for daring to advocate for women’s rights), and Kate Richards O’Hare was put behind bars for “Espionage”, (protesting World War I and advocating worker's rights). On a guided tour, you'll learn about these inmates, the cell conditions, executions, and the city’s history. For more information, please visit https://www.missouripentours.com/