Summary of Investigation at The Old Cambria Jail
The video titled "Investigation at The Old Cambria Jail" documents a live Paranormal Investigation conducted by two brothers, Josh and Jeremiah, inside the now-closed Cambria County Jail, built in 1872 and shut down in 1997. The jail has a dark history, including executions by hanging and shooting, and is reputed to be haunted by former inmates.
Key Points and Findings:
- Setting and Atmosphere:
The investigators describe the jail as extremely creepy, with eerie sounds such as unexplained slamming noises despite the absence of cell doors, footsteps, and occasional thuds. The building’s layout includes catwalks, caged areas, a dungeon, and the site of the gallows, adding to the haunting atmosphere. - Paranormal Equipment Used:
Various devices were employed to detect and communicate with spirits, including Spirit Boxes (SB), voice recorders, and motion-sensitive devices with lights and antennas that activate when approached or touched. These tools were intended to facilitate direct communication with any spirits present. - Spirit Interactions:
The investigators attempted to contact specific spirits by name (e.g., Edwin, Norm, Steve, Smitty) and asked questions about their experiences, crimes, executions, and feelings about being trapped. Some responses were reportedly captured, such as a spirit identifying itself as "Edwin," and cryptic messages like “I wish you pushed me over the edge” and references to “goosebumps” and “horrible.” However, many attempts to communicate were met with silence or vague responses. - Challenges Faced:
The investigation was hampered by technical difficulties (lighting, battery life, equipment setup), inconsistent spirit responses, and the spirits’ apparent reluctance to engage fully. The investigators acknowledged the unpredictability of paranormal communication and the possibility that some activity could be residual (non-intelligent) rather than interactive. - Historical Context:
The jail was unusual for a county jail because it included execution facilities. The investigators noted that inmates scheduled for hanging were sometimes shot instead. The jail’s harsh conditions, especially the small cells and the dungeon, were highlighted as likely sources of trauma and unrest. - Investigation Style and Philosophy:
Josh emphasized approaching the investigation without preconceived notions to avoid biasing experiences. They sought genuine, unprompted interactions and expressed respect for the spirits, aiming to communicate on friendly terms. The live format allowed viewer interaction and real-time discussion of findings and theories. - Community Engagement:
The investigators engaged with their live chat audience, discussing moderation and planning future streams. They also invited viewers to help interpret ambiguous responses and shared their thoughts on the investigation’s progress.
Overall Impression:
The investigation revealed some intriguing but inconclusive evidence of paranormal activity at the Old Cambria Jail. The environment’s oppressive history and the reported sounds and occasional device activations contributed to a chilling atmosphere. However, direct spirit communication was limited and often unclear, reflecting the challenges inherent in paranormal investigations.
Presenters/Contributors:
- Josh (primary investigator and narrator)
- Jeremiah (Josh’s brother and co-investigator)
- Michael (viewer/participant mentioned)
- Dom (viewer/participant mentioned)
- Maria (chat moderator and viewer)
Category
News and Commentary