Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pa.ESP is a national historic landmark. It was the first penitentiary deriving its name from the concept that the inmates would "repent" and do "penitence" for their crimes. Built in the 1820s it was in operation until the latter part of the 20th century. Each prisoner had to learn a trade so that when released, he would not have to return to his sinful ways. This cell was for the barber.