The penitentiary was opened in 1896, following the end of Tennessee’s convict-leasing system, and was sited at Petros in Morgan County.
Built in a rugged section of the Cumberland Plateau, the location was chosen for its natural fortress-like terrain: a bluff acts as one “wall” of the prison.
Its early years were defined by forced labor: inmates mined coal, worked in coke ovens, built the facility itself (including stone walls), and were held under extremely harsh conditions.
Structural & Institutional Highlights
After an initial wooden structure, the current stone “castle-like” prison building was constructed in the 1930s by inmate labor, using stone quarried on the property.
Among its darker facets: the solitary punishment chambers known as “The Hole” — small windowless cells where inmates were confined for days with bread and water.
It served as Tennessee’s maximum-security prison for many decades, housing some of the state’s most violent offenders.
Notorious Inmate & Escape
One of its most infamous inmates was James Earl Ray (assassin of Martin Luther King Jr.), who made a dramatic escape in June 1977 with six others, though he was captured within about 58 hours.
That escape underscored the prison’s reputation as nearly escape-proof due to terrain and fortified walls.
Closure & Transition
Brushy Mountain officially closed on June 11, 2009, after more than a century of operation.
In 2018 the site reopened as a museum, tourist destination, with tours (including paranormal tours), a restaurant, distillery, and events hosted in the former prison.
Ghostly & Paranormal Lore
The intense conditions, high death counts, and solitary separation have contributed to the prison’s haunted reputation. Visitors have reported disembodied voices, cold spots, shadowy figures, unexplained touches, and ghost-hunting tours abound.
Some specific legends:
A prisoner named “Jack Jett” (reported to have been stabbed while using the phone bank) whose spirit allegedly lifts the receiver off the hook. Discover America+1
“The Creeper” figure seen crawling across the auditorium floor — linked to a story of a prisoner killed in the room.
Sleep Quarters
Overnight sleeping is not provided at this location! Plenty of seating areas for breaks if needed.
Creep Factor
10/10
Group Size
Due to the size of the location, investigation group size will be less than 5 people to keep the experience as authentic as possible
Event Information
What’s Included
Overnight paranormal investigation generally lasting around 8-10 hours
Professional guides to help navigate the investigation, location, and equipment
Complete access to video recordings. photos, and audio files after the event to share with friends
One meal will be provided mid-hunt
Water, soft drinks, and snacks are provided while supplies last
Access to a plethora of the latest ghost hunting gadgets such as:
SLS Cameras (Stickman)
REM Devices
SB7 and SB11 Spirit Boxes
Sony Night Vision Cameras
High End Audio Capture Devices
Shadow Detectors
Ovilus Device
High Res NVR DVR Cameras
360* Cameras
GoPro and other Full Spectrum Action Cameras
We also provide non-tech traditional devices such as dowsing rods and pendulums
What To Bring
You should be aware of weather conditions and be equipped for long periods of time in the elements
Extra snacks and drinks for possible limited stock at some locations (Dinner, drinks, snacks are provided)
Any of your own equipment is fine to bring along but Ghost Hunt Nation is not responsible for any damages
Have a place to stay lined up as most of our locations do not have beds or sleeping quarters if you are tired
Have a form of identification with you for check-in
Work your transportation out ahead of time because we will always have to vacate premises after the hunt
Important Info
Waivers must be filled out before a member can join the investigation
Limited equipment and merch will be sold at select events on a first come first served basis
