Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex Overview

Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex, located in Petros, Tennessee, is a former maximum-security prison that housed some of the state’s most dangerous criminals. Known for its harsh conditions and infamous inmates, such as James Earl Ray, the prison operated from 1896 until its closure in 2009. After serving as a place for the toughest offenders, Brushy Mountain was transformed into a tourist destination in 2018, offering guided tours, a museum, and even a distillery. The prison was notorious for its location in the rugged Appalachian Mountains, making escape nearly impossible. Today, visitors can explore its grim past, walking through its chilling halls where violent histories unfolded.

 

Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex prison exterior

Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex Contact Information

  • Address: 9182 TN-116, Petros, TN 37845
  • Phone Number: (423) 324-8687
  • Email: info@tourbrushy.com
    For more detailed inquiries or to book tours, you can visit their official site.

Visiting Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex

Brushy Mountain is now open to the public for self-guided and guided tours. The eerie setting of the former prison offers a glimpse into the lives of its notorious inmates. Visiting hours typically run from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with specific dates for tours depending on the season. Tour highlights include the infamous D-Block, the original cafeteria, and the escape ladder used by James Earl Ray.

 

What to Bring to a Visit

 

  • Identification: A valid government-issued ID is required.
  • Comfortable clothing: The tour involves walking through various parts of the prison, including outdoor areas.
  • Tickets: Pre-booking is recommended to secure your spot.

Each tour lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, and visitors are advised to bring a camera to capture the haunting beauty of this historic site.

Getting to Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex

The prison is tucked deep within the Appalachian mountains, located in Petros, Tennessee. To reach Brushy Mountain:

  • From Knoxville: Take I-40 west to TN-116 North, then follow signs for Petros.
  • Parking: Free parking is available on-site.

The steep, winding roads leading to the prison add to the experience, giving visitors a sense of isolation that prisoners must have felt.

Life Inside Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex

For over a century, Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex earned a fearsome reputation as a brutal place. The inmates were often put to work in nearby coal mines, a practice that continued until the 1960s. The prison was notorious for its violent altercations between guards and prisoners, as well as among the inmates themselves. Brushy was home to the state’s most violent offenders, which only escalated tensions. The high walls and remote location made it “the end of the line” for Tennessee’s most incorrigible criminals​

Famous Prisoners at Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex

The most well-known prisoner to be housed at Brushy Mountain was James Earl Ray, the convicted assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ray’s multiple escape attempts became infamous, including one in 1977 where he managed to scale the prison wall, only to be caught after two days in the wilderness. Other infamous inmates included Byron “Low Tax” Looper, a corrupt politician convicted of murder, and George Hyatte, involved in a deadly courthouse shooting

FAQs about Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex

1. Can you visit Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex today?
Yes, the prison has been converted into a tourist destination where visitors can explore the facility, learn about its history, and even enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.

2. What was Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex known for?
Brushy Mountain was infamous for housing Tennessee’s most violent criminals, including James Earl Ray, and for its use of prisoners as coal miners.

3. How long did Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex operate?
The prison operated for 113 years, from 1896 to its closure in 2009.

4. How do I book a tour at Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex?
You can book a tour online via their official website or by calling the facility directly.

5. What is the most famous escape from Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex?
James Earl Ray’s 1977 escape attempt is the most famous, though it ended with his recapture after only two days.

6. Is Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex haunted?
Many visitors report eerie experiences, and Brushy Mountain is often considered one of the most haunted prisons in America due to its violent history.

7. What is there to do at Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex?
In addition to tours, the prison offers a museum, a restaurant, and a distillery, where you can sample moonshine made on-site.

8. Who was Byron “Low Tax” Looper?
Looper was a politician convicted of murdering a state senator. His case garnered national attention, and he was imprisoned at Brushy Mountain until his death.

9. What was life like for prisoners at Brushy Mountain?
Conditions were harsh. Inmates often worked in coal mines under brutal conditions, and violence was common.

10. Are there guided tours available at Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex?
Yes, visitors can choose between self-guided and guided tours, with former prison guards often leading the latter.

Summary

Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex, once known as “the end of the line” for Tennessee’s worst criminals, now serves as a historical site where visitors can explore the dark past of this infamous prison. With tours, museums, and special events, Brushy Mountain remains a chilling yet captivating experience, preserving the history of one of America’s most notorious prisons

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