Abandoned Tennessee State Penitentiary With Death Row
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- This abandoned state penitentiary has a rich and storied history that dates back to its original construction back in 1898. Interestingly, the prison was a strategically designed correctional facility that was supposed to be primarily focused on prisoner rehabilitation, rather than punishment. But unfortunately as the years passed on, it became more known for its harsh conditions, violence, and for its extreme brutality more than anything else.
The prison was originally built as a maximum-security prison and was intended to house the most dangerous criminals in the state, including murderers, kidnappers, and rapists. In direct response to the overwhelming number of violent prisoners being sent to the facility, the state built an execution chamber for death row inmates, which would go on to electrocute over 100 inmates and become one of the most notorious electric chairs in the entire country. By the early 1900s, the prison gained a painful reputation for its awful living conditions and its brutal inhumane treatment of the inmates.
Despite its murderous reputation, the prison was known for its architectural splendor and beauty, featuring Gothic-style stone towers, round turrets, and parapet walls that gave it a medieval castle-like appearance.
In addition to its massive imposing and intimidating exterior, the prison also had a number of notable inmates throughout its history.
One of the most infamous inmates was none other than James Earl Ray, who was convicted of assassinating Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. Ray managed to escape from the prison in 1971, but was recaptured just a few days later.
Throughout the years, the prison underwent several renovations and additions to try and help accommodate the ever growing inmate population and to try and improve the prisons aging infrastructure, however, by the 1980s, the prison was in a serious state of disrepair and was permanently closed in 1992 primarily due to budget constraints and major overcrowding issues.
Since its closure, the prison has been featured in several movies and television shows, including "The Green Mile" "The Last Castle” and “Walk the Line.” The prison had also become a popular destination for ghost hunters and urban explorers, who are drawn to its storied history, its state of decay, the eerie atmosphere and reported paranormal activity. Unfortunately, in the years since its closure, the historic prison would make national headline news in recent years.
In 2020, a devastating tornado ripped through parts of the state leaving a path of destruction in its wake, including the old state prison. The tornado, with winds reaching over 150 miles per hour, caused extensive damage to the facility, leaving several buildings without roofs and completely collapsed.
The tornado tore through the prison, destroying its aging buildings, uprooting trees, and causing widespread chaos.
The aftermath of the tornado highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and the challenges these places face when trying to preserve our nation’s history. It also underscored the vulnerability of these aging structures and just how susceptible they can be to natural disasters and mother natures furious wrath.
Today, although large sections are collapsed and seriously damaged, the old prison still stands as a haunting reminder of the tragic events that will forever remain part of the prisons historical legacy.
While the prison may no longer house inmates, its rusted bars, dilapidated corridors, and crumbling cellblocks, still bear the weight of the prison's troubled past.
In conclusion, the history of this once notorious state prison is a complex and fascinating tale of crime, punishment, and ultimately, redemption. While the prison may no longer serve its original purpose, its impact on the people and its inhabitants will never be forgotten.
As we come to the end of today’s video on this violent abandoned state prison, we hope that you all enjoyed it and maybe even learned a few things. For more photos, make sure you check out our website at abandonedcentral.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to Abandoned Central on UA-cam to get all of the latest videos. The support is always appreciated friends!
You had me nervous for you dealing with the structural damage, but thank you for taking us along on your adventure.
I was nervous myself. Stuff kept falling form the ceiling but I couldn't catch it on camera. Thanks for watching!
I've seen other videos about this prison but I always like the way that you guys tell a story as you're exploring it sounds like the same guy does all the narrations on of all the creators too Great job guys 👍
Thanks so much for the support Kevin! Yes we try to have Bob (@_detroitunseen) do all of the audio for our videos.
@@abandonedcentralThe story with the exploration is exactly why I just subscribed. 😎
@@abandonedcentralDetroit baby 313 much respect to both of y'all
I live in the Nashville area, and used to work off Cenntennial Blvd. Passing this evey day for work was always intriguing to me, I have gotten as close as the guard shack in the front with my bright orange and very noisy motorcycle, the guard of course met me, and I explained how I only wanted to photograph the beautiful monstrosity. He was okay with it, but did explain I needed to be quick as the building still had a heavy security force assigned there. I visited before the May 3rd, 2020 tornado and there was a newer building to the right that current prisoners would be assigned to cook for the "new" prison down the street. The tornado did damage the right side of the prison. Since the tornado, I have photographed the old prison just one time. To this day, one of the jobs of this facility for current prisoners at the TN state prison is grounds work, maintaining the gardens surrounding the guard shack and beyond, thus being the reason this is still heavily guarded even after closing in 1992.
They used to make the meals for inmates there on site but i dont think they do anymore, I left TDOC in 2015 and had to visit it twice for work purposes since i worked at women's prison down the road.
I was wondering why on earth TN was spending taxpayer money to guard this abandoned & partially destroyed property.
Honest question: if it is illegal to trespass, won’t you still get in trouble for posting footage of yourself trespassing?
They had permission 😂 they're just creating tension to make the video more entertaining
Not really if they had permission....which would be smart
U can tour the place lol its not shut down or off limits. No prisoners sadly that wld make it a lot more entertaining 😅
@@dadraby7580it is off limits dawg
Nothing is illegal till you get caught
I remember "Old Sparky" was auctioned off about 20-25 years ago. It was on Ebay if memory serves me correctly. I can't remember the final bid, but it went for way more than I expected. I work for TDOT on the other side of Briley Parkway from this old prison. I've asked around about getting in to see the prison and I"ve not found a way yet. A guy works for me now who used to work for TDOC (Corrections). He still knows people there and he can't get us in.
I work where you do and I've been all around and through the place doing state work. Have to be on a list at the guard shac and be expected on said date and time. There are security measures in place there that I won't discuss here but don't be surprised if full tactical armed guards don't pop out anywhere on that property. The columns to the original state capitol are there on that property but are not to be touched.
1:33 Abandoned since *1992?* I was either 1 or 2 years old then. You guys really do a wonderful job. This place looks awesome to explore.
Judy Ruszel from Eastern Kentucky. First time watching your video. Y’all are awesome!!
Fun fact. The “green mile” was also partially filmed here.
So was The Last Castle
So was Shawshank redemption
And earnest goes to jail and Shawshank Redemption
Thank you for the info. Wasn't exactly sure the prisons where parts of the movies were filmed.
Really enjoyed your video! I had to pause it before you got to the water fountain and went to Google to ask if it was haunted. Love abandoned places like this!
We greatly appreciate the support!
@@abandonedcentral you're welcome!
15:47 mark 2nd balcony someone is watching you
Awesome video, thank you for sharing! I love how informative you are during these explores. Everything I've heard about TSP, and you confirmed it, is it's a difficult one to take on; you handled it nicely.
On an unrelated note, I found one of your BWord stickers at a location a few weeks ago.
Thanks again, stay safe out there! 👍😁
Thanks so much for the support! I continue to put her stickers all around the world. Miss her so much 😢
@@abandonedcentral My pleasure! I think that's the 2nd one I've seen. My condolences man, I'm so sorry for your loss...😔🙏🌹I know there's never a "right" thing to say, and unfortunately that kind of pain and sadness never heals, but you honor her memory with all you do. She does indeed live on, so long as she and her passions are not forgotten. In my video, I gave you and her a mention after finding the sticker.
Be safe and take care, and thank you again for sharing your adventures with us!
I was born in 1992 I would like to thank you all for telling us this story and its history
Stunning and haunting location. Looks like amazing location to explore. If walls could talk! Enjoyed watching as always!
I grew up in Nashville and have always wondered what this place looks like. The storytelling and cinematography is top notch fellas 🤝
We greatly appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching!
Abandoned central thanks for sharing this awesome video with me and God Bless.
TN State Penitentiary was the official title, but "The Walls" was the name given by the inmates. Overcrowding was a huge issue. Those gen pop cells only had 1 bunk, but you better believe there were at least 4 inmates to a cell. Video and pictures don't do this place justice, although you all have done a great job capturing it in its current state. Before the tornado knocked down part of it, It was a menacing site driving onto the property. Once you passed the main gate and the whole front of it came into view, it was pretty haunting. "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here" kind of vibe. The Green Mile, Ernest Goes to Jail, and some other films were shot here after it closed down and before it started falling apart due to lack of maintenance.
My dad had worked in the prison system before I was born and I recall driving past it with him on the interstate as a kid and him saying it was abandoned now but used to be the prison and how they called it The Walls, which always sort of gave me the creeps. I remember that smokestack sticking up among the buildings as we'd drive past. Never seen inside it until now despite always driving past that smoke stack over the years and thinking "They call it The Walls".
15.47 mark on the second walk way..... there's a guest...
Local we called that place the Walls!! I am sorry to see the damage that has taken place. I was there last during the filming of the Last Castle. I was also there during the Green Mile...
Years ago I went to a haunted house that ran through part of here. We snuck off the path and explored other parts and it was awesome. This was back in the 90s.
Thats awesome! Would've love to see it back then before all of the decay.
Closing was due to court system taking over because of prison riots in 80s.. over crowding and needed newer facility. Riverbend replaced this prison
Wow this is crazy.... good video guys❤
Thanks so much for the support! Glad you enjoyed this one!
@@abandonedcentral no problemo guys!!!!! My pleasure indeed!!!! I've seen all your videos!!!! Great job!!!! ☺
Why in these videos do they always focus on the cells? You see one you pretty much seen em all. Go to the gym, cafeteria, offices, officer locker rooms. Stuff like that. Love these kind of videos though. Would just like to see more instead of the same old things.
Thanks for the feedback Darrell. If you watch any of our other prison videos we always explore the entire property. The gym was destroyed in the tornado and the building is now gone. All offices in admin were destroyed and the floors collapsed. The basement down to officer locker rooms were all collapsed into the stairways as well. We explored what we could here. Also, with state police on site, we didn't want to get arrested checking buildings that just weren't worth it to us.
@@abandonedcentral Thanks for explaining so clearly what was destroyed. But why is the state of TN wasting (imho) taxpayer money to have state police guard the place? If you said why in the video, I must have missed it.
Who or what made that off in the distance a very loud bang ? Just curious 👍
Best documented videos of urban exploring. Others can’t even read or speak properly…like that kid from Long Island NY with the dyed blond hair. That kid needs to go back to school.
Lol thank you for that feedback! We greatly appreciate it.
Goodness gracious a huge prison😮
Def in the top 3 of the largest abandoned prisons I ever explored. Thanks for watching Rachel!
Our archive possesses the former State of Tennessee's electric chair, which was used at this location 125 times between 1916 and 1960.
If the guards are the same as US SS you are fine!
They’re literally not allowed to keep your equipment you know. And Supreme Court just made this point recently and now you’ll def get ur stuff back.
Why the State didn't remove the Folger Adam locks from the cell doors is a mystery to me.
They are still in use in older prisons today. They're expensive and highly annoying to lock and unlock over and over all day. The keys are huge and weigh a ton to carry around.
My *second* comment. That story with the deer, that's pretty awesome.
We greatly appreciate the support!
The last castle is an amazing movie. Must watch if you've never seen it
knew a few people who i worked with who used to work there when i worked for TDOC, i got to visit for work purposes outside twice. The area is still active with TDOC personal with houses still being lived in so, i would not advise to exploring there; they dont open it due to asbestos.
Great information about this prison. 💝🤗 Thanks. 😊
Thanks for the support Karen. Glad you liked this video!
The taxpayers should be disgusted.
I do belive they filmed the green mile there,, its right off Briley Park way next to the truck stop i do believe in Nashville
Centennial Blvd exit A at Cockrill bend rd in Nashville.
A prison with the Tennessee state patrol 🚓 there 24 hours a day 7 day's a week 😮😮 that tornado did a lot of damage of the prison
Been wanting to explore this one for the past 7 years. It was great to finally get it done! Thanks for the support Robert!
@@abandonedcentral you are welcome abandoned central glad you got that video on this place without getting caught in this place
Cool video, I liked it❤
Thanks for the visit Sofia!
How far is that from Fort Campbell ? Did the military train there 10+ years ago ? Was that where a portion of the green mile was filmed ? If so, I was there 16 years ago for nighttime military training. It was a spooky ass place !
Yeah same place.
Remember kids, do as we say not as we do
Is this off centennial Blvd.
This looks like nashville that place is called the "walls" its in nashville Tennessee i knew some dudes came from there when i done time
Wow very interesting and historical there might of been other famous prisoners there to not just James Earl Ray.
Brings back memories haha
Haha miss you brotha!
open this back up
Thanks guys.
this is awesome dude I aspire to be like you
Missouri has this place beat by a long shot
Are you aware of the asbestos in those buildings?
looks like an air vent above the chair-- incase it smoked up would say
Been in there before. Just outside downtown Nashville. Used to be easy to get into. I sure wouldn’t attempt it now.
What changed - why is it even guarded since it's already partially destroyed?
@@playhooky not sure. Maybe just tired of folks sneaking in since it’s falling apart. Dangerous place.
I went there at night way back Snuck in through the tracks by Casey’s gas station with a few buddies smoked some dope on the roof of those shop building’s first place you went in too I’m pretty sure looked like it at least . Probably wasn’t smart looking back but something I’ll never forget. My buddy’s did some of the graffiti in the death row I didn’t exactly approve but place will be gone anyways.
My dad spent a little time there in the early 70's for car theft
16:04 i actually sat right there none of my friends dared to but I didn’t really care the tagging was kinda wack but it was a group of 20 so I wasn’t going stop them and again place is so in disrepair it will unfortunately just probably be knocked down
These abandoned buildings need to be torn down. Encourages drug use and crime.
Did you get to explore what looks the be the boiler room/ power house?
No we didn't. Towards the end when I mention all the cars in the parking lot, they were all parked in front of the power house. They had inmates out in the yard cutting the grass so we avoided that area. We missed out on the hospital also but theres not much left to see after the tornado damaged it.
The little town where Brushy is located is pronounced Pete-tross.
Aye there it is good times 👊🏼
Def was bro! Gotta plan another trip soon.
As much crime there is now you might want to open it back up!!!
In the 90’s they still used this as a haunted attraction during Halloween. Shit was scary then, shit looks even scarier now 😮
The building in the thumbnail was supposed the ER hospital there according to a former employee. I was hoping to see inside it in the video.
It was all locked up. No way to access we tried.
@@abandonedcentral damn that's unfortunate, I've always wanted to see inside that section of the prison. Great video though none the less!
Well done
Why dont they demo the spot and build something new.. ?
Excellent 🙏🙏👍💯💯💯👍🙏🙏
Thank you very much 🙌
Is this a re-upload?
Hey Keith, yes there was a few issues with the upload last week so I pulled it down to fix them.
My best friend did 5 years inside there
How this guys get in the premises thru the police on site, they'll see this I'm sure.
Would like to ghost box session in this
The Green Mile was filmed here
I don’t see any reason why people shouldn’t be able to explore if they aren’t causing issues
Its most likely an insurance thing if you get hurt you can sue whoever owns the property.
@@abandonedcentral don’t get hurt has always been my saying 🤣
It's proven that if every human disappeared on earth it would only take around 1000 year's for nature to reclaim all that we've created. 1000 years sounds like a long time but human civilizations date back 10's of thousands of years. The fact that if we all disappeared today around 1000 years later there'd be no sign that humans ever lived on earth is astonishing.
When they warned about state cops watching it. They were talking about the ghosts right?
No, to this day there are still state police that are on watch, guarding outside the prison 24/7 to make sure nobody breaks in.
Why do they whisper when no one is there? I immediately delete!
Well done guys....🙂🙂
Oh no way, I died here
I remember when it close a friend my got us permission to go in it was spooky.
Thanks for watching our video Mark!
Surely the most interesting part of the prison would be the death row buildings and the actual spit qhere the electric chair would have been situated and yiu just skipped over it, didnt even show us the room to the side. Come on guys!!
Its literally a empty room with a hole in the ceiling and a 3 inch concrete pad on the floor. There is nothing to see there besides horrible graffiti.
What’s the prison called and city
Tn state pen. it's in Nashville tn and it's where they filmed the green mile movie
Why is such an eye sore still standing why hasn't it been tore down and use the property in a better way. I am sure they could sell it off and make money versus paying money to keep it standing. In that condition it is not of any historic value.
Yeah it may have been the most brutal prison in the world. Just think if you was a victim of one of these type of people that did why these people did to the victims. I’m all for going back to the early 1940’s type of punishment. I think people need to see what happens if you commit a crime and hang in the downtown park. I mean it’ll be your choice if you get the death penalty. Only a judge and a jury can sentence anyone to death.
wow..
Thanks for watching our video William!
5:33 the Hindu religion swasthik sign
Medieval dates back further than the 1800s. Try a going back a few more centuries for Medieval. You wouldn't have medieval in North America. Try Victorian
Right off briley
get another narrator ,hes far too dramatic
1st 😀👍
Thank you for watching!
First
🙌 🙌 Thanks for watching!
Walking dead lol.
So fake
Explain whats fake Kevin?
The photos and exploration is cool, the narration is lame
Perfect,we can call Trump prison and have a special maga section!