We left Richmond on Thursday, spent the night in Wytheville, VA then headed to Melton Dam State Park outside of Knoxville. Our site was a challenge due to it being on the edge of the road with just enough space for the Airstream and monster truck! We had the Airstream perfectly situated and realized the hookups were too far away! So we had to maneuver again in a very narrow area….
Our destination for this stop was Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary for a tour! Brushy Mountain State Pen operated from 1896 – 2009 and housed the most dangerous men in TN. The prison is in Petros TN, about 30 miles NW of Knoxville and located deep into the mountains. The prisoners actually worked in the local coal mines as well as on the railroads. The goal was to be self sufficient. One of the most gruesome facts, that ended the inmates mining coal, was one day a head came out of the mine in one of the coal trollies with the body still in the mine. The violence was extreme. The most famous guest of the prison was James Earl Ray the depraved assassin of Martin Luther King. All of the buildings are still standing and visitors are able to tour the grounds and buildings to truly feel the essence of this scary place.
In 2018 the abandoned prison was turned into a destination. In addition to prison tours there is a distillery, restaurant, concert venue and well appointed gift shop. We did purchase some “Frozen Head Vodka”! This was a really fun day!
Enjoy the video!
We are now heading West; New Mexico bound!
Wow, what a creepy place! Great video, love the music selection and the cameo of Colleen. Added this to our Tennessee must see list!
So interesting…I thought it more interesting than Alcatraz!
Really cool and creepy. All I could think of was lead based paint. Great video and agree with great choice of music!
It was so fun! Yeah, don’t eat the paint!
Great video!! That place gave me the chills!!
It was scary! Making the video was fun though! 😀
Did Carol put you in a cell? 🤣🤣🤣
She tried!!!! But I had the truck keys!!!🤣