The Tennessee State Prison, known as a fortress-like facility, was home to some of the most violent criminals of the 19th and 20th centuries. James Earl Ray, admitted killer of Martin Luther King, Jr., and may other dangerous murderers, spent time behind bars here.
Upon closing in 1992, the prison soon became the focus of many history enthusiasts and ghost hunters. Unfortunately, crumbling walls and ceilings, corroded cell bars, peeling paint, and other structural problems have made it too dangerous to tour or explore.
Today, it is guarded by the Department of Corrections and trespassing onto the property is strictly prohibited. So, no matter how tempting it may be, you should not attempt to visit the Tennessee State Prison for any reason.
History of the old Tennessee State Prison
This maximum-security penitentiary opened its doors for the first time in 1831. Containing 200 cells, the prison was considered a humane and spacious facility in the early to mid-1800s.
During the Civil War, the Union Army seized the property and turned it into a military prison. As more and more prisoners were added, men and women were often forced to share the same cells.
A new, larger prison was built in 1898 after the original structure was demolished. Many outbuildings that still stand today were built with salvaged material from the original building.
The updated penitentiary contained 800 one-person cells, but, unfortunately, over 1,400 inmates were admitted on opening day. Overcrowding continued to be a problem.
During the 20th century, prisoners were denied phone calls and letters to family unless it was considered a life and death situation. They could not communicate with each other inside prison walls unless it had to do with their work or was about another necessary topic.
The prison contained factories, offices, and even a farm where inmates were forced to work for up to 16 hours per day. Sleeping areas were reported to be unheated and provided no ventilation.
Riots within the prison began to break out in the 1970s and 1980s, likely due to the ill-treatment of inmates. The facility ended up closing its doors in 1992 due to overcrowding and maltreatment of convicts.
Many murderers and psychopaths lived in “The Castle,” as many called it. Over 100 were put to death within its walls, most by its infamous electric chair.
Many people claim to have heard footsteps and shrieks since its closure. Others say, upon visiting the facility, to have seen apparitions or felt cold chills.
While it is currently illegal to visit the TN State Prison, there are rumors of a historical society’s interest in restoring and opening the facility for guided tours. Maybe one day touring this penitentiary, full of history and wonder, will be an option for those with curious minds!
Movies filmed at the TN State Prison
There were quite a few movies filmed at this state prison. The 1975 movie Nashville, The Last Castle, and Ernest Goes to Jail all filmed portions of their films on site.
Walk the Line, a 2005 film about the life and career of Johnny Cash, was filmed here. Interestingly, Johnny Cash (along with Roy Clark and Linda Ronstadt) performed at the Tennessee State Prison for a 1977 TV special.
Additionally, The Green Mile was filmed at this penitentiary; along with a few other movies, music videos, and shows.
Can you tour active prisons in Tennessee?
Surprisingly, the Tennessee Department of Corrections website gives details and offers tours of state prisons to schools, churches, and other organizations.
Here are a few things you need to know before taking a tour of an active prison: You must be 16 years old, and students are required to be accompanied by a chaperone. You’ll need to bring a valid ID, and you will be processed through a metal detector checkpoint prior to touring.
Be prepared to be searched. For obvious reasons, you are not allowed to bring guns, knives, drugs, alcohol, or any other illegal substances into the facility. Only bring your car keys and your ID with you. Leave cell phones, money, and any tobacco products you may have in the car.
Dress appropriately. Clothing items such as crop tops, tank tops, and overalls shouldn’t be worn. Additionally, don’t wear any clothing with lewd or threatening logos.
More information on requirements and contact information for each prison can be found at https://www.tn.gov/correction/sp/prison-tours.html.
Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary
Brushy Mountain State Pen, located in Petros, TN, was known as “The Alcatraz of the South.” This prison housed thousands of dangerous criminals and, at one time, produced tons of coal each day for the state of Tennessee.
The penitentiary’s notoriety led to it being referenced in books such as Silence of the Lambs and The Firm. The inmates endured back-breaking labor and harsh mining conditions, which, unfortunately, led to many deaths.
Today, you can walk the cell blocks of Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, but many say it is haunted by the thousands of people who died of mining accidents, sickness, unjust treatment, and riots. While you explore the facility, be prepared for paranormal activity- You never know what you might encounter!
History of Brushy Mountain
Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary was established in 1896 in the aftermath of the Coal Creek War, which was an armed labor revolt.
The original prison was built with wood using free labor. At this time, Brushy Mountain could accommodate about 120 inmates. Eventually, a new stone building was erected and opened its doors in 1935. While this prison was built to sleep 600 men, it unfortunately housed nearly 1,200 prisoners at times.
Rugged mountain terrain encompassed three sides of this cold, castle-like facility. The prison included its own railroad spur and inmates worked in the coal mines for many hours a day. They also operated farms and coke ovens on site.
After two men were killed in a rockslide in 1967, the penitentiary’s coal mines shut down. Still, as the years went on, there were reports of inadequate facilities and inhuman conditions. Inmates were reportedly denied heat, hot water, and medical care while incarcerated at Brushy Mountain.
The facility closed for four years in 1972 due to unsafe conditions. After 113 years of operation, Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary permanently closed its doors in 2009.
Interesting Events at Brushy Mountain
Not only did James Earl Ray spend time at the TN State Prison, but he was also incarcerated at Brushy Mountain. In fact, he successfully escaped from this prison on June 10, 1977.
But he didn’t make it very far. He was recaptured 54 hours later. He was found lying under a pile of leaves about four miles away from the prison.
A prisoner named James Slagle, who was serving a 318 year sentence for murder and kidnapping, shipped himself out of the prison in a box labeled “153 pounds of roast beef.”
Over the course of a few years prior to the escape, he learned yoga so he could contort his body into unnatural positions. It is estimated that the shipping box was only about 18 inches deep by 14 inches wide! Not long after being loaded on a flatbed truck, he broke out of the box and jumped off the back of the truck.
An off-duty prison guard spotted Slagle in the woods shortly after his escape, and he was apprehended almost immediately. As punishment for escaping, he was sent to “The Hole” for solitary confinement around Christmas 1970.
In the 1970s, Bushy Mountain was also home to a deer named Geronimo. An officer brought him to the prison when he was just a young deer. He became a pet to the entire inmate population and could sometimes been seen sleeping on a bunk in a vacant cell.
Legend has it he liked to chew on unlit cigarettes and drink from the water fountain. Geronimo provided hope and comfort to many prisoners during his time at Brushy Mountain.
Touring Brushy Mountain
These days, you can take a self-guided tour of “The Alcatraz of the South.” Former inmates and guards will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. You’ll get a glimpse of what it was like for the violent criminals that served time here. The property now also has a restaurant, gift shop, distillery, and an event venue on site.
Paranormal tours are also available. Be prepared to hear footsteps or see apparitions of those who died while incarcerated at Brushy Mountain. Reportedly, visitors have even been shoved and scratched while visiting the prison, so this tour is not for the faint of heart!
While you can’t currently visit the Tennessee State Penitentiary, you can visit active state prisons and tour Brushy Mountain State Pen. Whether you tour an active prison or a penitentiary of the past, you can be sure you will learn a lot and gain new insight on what “life in prison” is all about.
