Tennessee State Prison is a former maximum correctional facility in Nashville, Tennessee. It was one of the best at that time but after over 94 years of operations, the facility was closed and deserted due to uncontrolled cases of breakouts and inmates’ death. 

What is the story behind Tennessee State Prison?

The first penitentiary in Tennessee was constructed in the 1820s and began operation in the new year of 1831. With a capacity of 200 cells, the facility was one of the best not only in the state of Tennessee but the entire south. It was an all-gender prison that was praised for its discipline and productivity. Although many might wonder how an all-gender prison worked in those days, it was just the same as it is now only that inmates were not allowed to interact with each other. During the day they worked in various workstations that they were posted and at night would go to their cells. Later in the mid 1800s, the military took over the prison with the intention of using it as a military prison. With only a capacity of 200 cells and a cell per individual, an increase in the number of inmates both from the military and ordinary offenders brought about overcrowding. 

Due to this, prisoners lived in deplorable conditions with some of them going without food. The conditions worsened and this prompted for construction of new and bigger prison which was opened in 1898. The second prison had a capacity of 600 more cells than the first one which was abolished soon afterward. Though the facility was much bigger and better than the first one, the situation did not get better as they initially expected for the number of inmates increased forcing the administration to admit twice the number of prisoners it could accommodate. Prisoners killing each other and frequent riots made things worse compelling the government to close it down.

The dark side of the prison

Strange activities have been witnessed in the building with some even hearing footprints and voices. Putting in mind the inhumane activities that took place in this place such as the execution of inmates and fellow inmates killing each other, this place can as well be haunted. Before its closure although not in many instances, some inmates complained of the same. If you have ever wondered how being haunted feels, then this is the place to visit though at your own risk.

What is the current situation of the prison?

Tennessee State Prison now stands rotting with no intentions of ever being used as a prison again. Due to its deteriorating state, it is not open to the public. Though it is closed for the public, film industries are allowed to shoot videos using the building as some already did.