We arrived shortly after they opened at 10:30 on a recent Saturday. We ended up spending several hours here easily. You could spend an entire day here if you wanted. It is fascinating.
ALSO, it is pretty much set up as a self guided tour. That is actually very cool for a huge facility like this.When we arrived, we parked at the slick visitor center/gift shop. We bought our tickets and were given a map. The prion is a very short walk (maybe five minutes) from the visitor center, but you can drive if you want.
I won't get in to all of the specifics of what you can see, or whats going on. The whole thing is big and overwhelming.
There is a film thats about 20 minutes that we saw first thing. Some of the old guards and staff are interviewed. You kind of get a feel of the devastation the local community felt when the prison shut down in 2009. One guard describes the scene as the last prisoners were bussed out right before it closed. The guards also talk about some of the crazy events that took place inside of the prison.
There is a museum area where there are lots of photos and relics. Polaroid ID photos of guards are here, along with badges. There is a homemade ladder used by the facility's most famous former resident, James Earl Ray, when he escaped.There are also some wonderful paintings done by inmates displayed.
We learned that prisoners actually worked in coal mines in the area. There was a laundry too, and local residents could have their clothes laundered there for free.
In the cafeteria, we saw more amazing prisoner artwork on the walls. Unfortunately, much of the work is peeling. There is a lot of damage, but hopefully something can be done to preserve what is left.There was bullet proof glass outside of the cafeteria (stray observation... it was cracked) where guards could watch prisoners. There were a couple of holes in the glass so guns could be pointed in and aimed at unruly inmates.
Speaking of inmates, we were told that two were stationed around the prison telling about their time here! We ended up talking a George, a VERY friendly fellow who was actually hanging out in his old cell! He told us that he had blown up a safe at a country club, which eventually got him to Brushy Mountain. George was a VERY optimistic guy who said he loves telling his story, especially to kids in hopes that it will help get them on the right path, if needed. He said that he actually gave his number to some people, feeling that they might need someone to talk to. He seemed to sincerely want to help everyone he could. He said that he kept a journal during his stay, and his daughter has talked about trying to work with him on getting it out there in book form. I hope this happens.The cross shaped building is cavernous, and it is just fun exploring it at your own pace.
As we winded down our tour, we stopped by the gift shop. They have done a great job of keeping cool shirts and other items stocked. They actually make moonshine here and sell bottles of it!
I personally bought a pin, a patch, and a key chain. I hope they think about stocking postcards and toy badges in the future. Oh, I would like to see some books here too. I'm not sure if there are many (any?) good books that have been written on the facility's history.
There is a GREAT restaurant here too that I will mention in a separate post.I REALLY like what they are doing here though. The place still has somewhat of an abandoned old building feel, but dangerous areas are blocked off. There are lots of interpretive signs and staff around.
They have concerts and other events here too! I am glad that the current owners are making the most of what they have!
This is simply a cool place to visit and it gets my highest possible recommendation!
No comments:
Post a Comment