Tennessee’s Most HAUNTED Prison—Dare to Face the Ghosts of James Earl Ray’s Lockup?
Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, once home to Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassin, now lures thrill-seekers with its eerie, escape-proof walls. 🌐 #News #PetrosTN #Tennessee #Lifestyle
PETROS, TN – For thrill-seekers craving a spine-chilling experience, Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Tennessee offers just that. Known as one of the state’s eeriest spots, this former prison gained notoriety through its most infamous inmate, James Earl Ray, the man who assassinated Martin Luther King Jr. Located on Tennessee’s eastern edge, it no longer holds prisoners but now draws visitors with ghost tours and overnight stays tailored for adventure enthusiasts. Ready to step inside this unsettling Tennessee prison for a dose of fear?
A Prison’s History and Harsh Design
Brushy, once a maximum-security facility, sits near Petros, Tennessee, and operated from 1896 to 2009. Prisoners first built it from wood, using their own labor. In the 1920s, they reconstructed it with stone from an onsite quarry. Nestled near Frozen Head State Park, its rugged terrain and layout made escapes nearly impossible.
The Famous Escape That Failed
The prison’s most well-known breakout attempt took place on June 10, 1977. James Earl Ray and six other inmates tried to flee, but authorities caught Ray less than 58 hours later, just eight and a half miles away. The tough landscape proved to be the real guard, thwarting their plans.
From Lockup to Visitor Hotspot
Brushy stands out as Tennessee’s only unionized prison, having worked with state lawmakers to improve staff rights and conditions. Today, it’s a unique destination. Visitors can join overnight ghost tours to sense the presence of inmates who died behind its walls, never tasting freedom again. The site also offers concerts and runs a distillery. For a paranormal night, a group of 12 can book a tour for $1,500, with a minimum age of 21. Available by request, these tours guarantee an eerie experience.
This place and its past make it a compelling stop. Would you venture into this spooky Tennessee jail? Let us know in the comments section below!
RELATED TOPICS: Haunted Places | Paranormal | Tennessee
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I would love to take a tour but does it have to be at least a 12 person group? Or can like just a small family go? Two of my children, their dad was at Brushy Mountain Prison. He also helped to build that brick sign at the entrance. Please if someone could message me back I would greatly appreciate it
Good morning, Karen! Thanks for reading – and thanks for a great question! Unfortunately, we’re not sure if they offer smaller tours. If we find out we will let you know. They may have an active Facebook page that could help? Have a blessed weekend! 🙂 – Jack and Kitty