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The True Story of the 1945 Tunnel Escape from Eastern State Penitentiary

Dean Butler

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Published in Under The Wall: The True Story Of The 1945 Tunnel Escape From Eastern State Penitentiary

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A Riveting Tale of Courage, Ingenuity, and Triumph Over Adversity

In the annals of prison lore, few escapes rival the audacity and drama of the 1945 tunnel escape from Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. This notorious prison, once known as "the Alcatraz of the East," was considered escape-proof. Yet, in a daring act of defiance, three inmates defied all odds and pulled off an extraordinary escape. Their story, as revealed in the gripping book "The True Story of the 1945 Tunnel Escape from Eastern State Penitentiary," is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the pursuit of freedom.

The Notorious Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary, built in 1829, was a pioneer in the American prison system. Its austere architecture and strict solitary confinement regime aimed to rehabilitate prisoners through penitence and silence. The towering stone walls, narrow cells, and imposing "gothic revival" facade symbolized the unforgiving nature of the institution.

Eastern State Penitentiary In All Its Imposing Glory Under The Wall: The True Story Of The 1945 Tunnel Escape From Eastern State Penitentiary

The Inmates and Their Daring Plan

The three inmates who orchestrated the daring escape were Joseph "Big Joe" Cretzer, James "Blackie" Burke, and Clarence Taylor. Cretzer, a notorious safecracker, had escaped prison on a previous occasion and was serving a life sentence. Burke, a seasoned counterfeiter, was serving a 20-year sentence. Taylor, the brains behind the operation, was serving a 7-year sentence for robbery.

Under the Wall: The True Story of the 1945 Tunnel Escape from Eastern State Penitentiary

by John DuMond

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1088 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	20 pages

Joseph "Big Joe" Cretzer

James "Blackie" Burke

Clarence Taylor

Operation: Tunnel to Freedom

Over many months, the trio meticulously planned their escape. They used stolen tools and supplies to dig a tunnel from their cells' boiler room out into a nearby alleyway. The tunnel, concealed under a laundry chute, was dug using spoons and a makeshift drill powered by a stolen vacuum cleaner motor.

The Claustrophobic Tunnel The Inmates Dug Under The Prison Under The Wall: The True Story Of The 1945 Tunnel Escape From Eastern State Penitentiary

The narrow confines of the escape tunnel

The Audacious Escape

On the night of July 20, 1945, the trio made their daring escape. After emerging from the tunnel, they climbed over the prison wall and disappeared into the night. Their escape, which took over 10 months to plan and execute, was the first successful escape from Eastern State Penitentiary's solitary cells.

A Re Enactment Of The Escape, Showing The Inmates Climbing The Prison Wall Under The Wall: The True Story Of The 1945 Tunnel Escape From Eastern State Penitentiary

Re-enactment of the thrilling escape

Aftermath and Legacy

The escape sparked a massive manhunt, but the three fugitives were not apprehended. They remained at large for several months, becoming known as "the tunnel trio." Ultimately, Cretzer and Burke were captured in Cleveland, while Taylor was captured in Philadelphia.

The Book Cover Of 'The True Story Of The 1945 Tunnel Escape From Eastern State Penitentiary' Under The Wall: The True Story Of The 1945 Tunnel Escape From Eastern State Penitentiary

The book that chronicles the extraordinary tale of the daring escape

Reliving History through the Book

"The True Story of the 1945 Tunnel Escape from Eastern State Penitentiary" vividly recreates the events leading up to and including the audacious escape. Through meticulously researched accounts and captivating storytelling, the book transports readers back to 1945 and immerses them in the heart-stopping escape.

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the annals of history and witness the daring escape that shook Eastern State Penitentiary to its core. Free Download your copy of "The True Story of the 1945 Tunnel Escape from Eastern State Penitentiary" today!

Under the Wall: The True Story of the 1945 Tunnel Escape from Eastern State Penitentiary

by John DuMond

4.3 out of 5