A Glimpse into the Haunting History of Brushy State Penitentiary
Established in 1896 and constructed using the labor of its own inmates, the Brushy State Penitentiary stands as a monument to a bygone era of penal history. Originally built from wood in a remote mountainous location, its placement was strategic, aimed at deterring escapes due to the surrounding harsh terrain. The penitentiary underwent a significant transformation in the 1920s when it was reconstructed with stone into a formidable, cross-shaped structure—a design that perhaps unintentionally contributed to its eerie reputation.
Brushy State Penitentiary was not just a prison; it was a site of forced labor where inmates mined coal until its first closure in 1972, prompted by a guard strike over dangerous working conditions. It briefly reopened in 1976 and permanently closed its doors in 2009, transferring its last inmates to the Morgan County Correctional Complex.
The Echoes of Tragedy: Ghost Stories from Brushy State
Throughout its long and dark history, Brushy State Penitentiary has been the site of numerous tragedies which many believe have led to hauntings that pervade its abandoned halls today. Here are some of the most talked-about spirits:
Waterhead
Among the spirits, Waterhead makes a particularly chilling presence. Believed to be the ghost of a former inmate who met a gruesome end in the cafeteria, losing almost an arm in a violent incident, Waterhead’s spirit is said to linger in the very place of his untimely demise.
Bonnie
Bonnie, the solitary female spirit of Brushy State, haunts the corridors with a curious demeanor. Little is known about her past life, but her interactions with paranormal investigators suggest a yearning for communication or perhaps a desire to share her untold story.
James
James is often encountered in C block, a place he seems tethered to even in death. It’s said that he has a particular fondness for cigarettes, often seen smoking them if they are left lit in his cell—a small comfort from the world of the living.
Leroy
Leroy’s spirit is often perceived in D block, where he was known as a bully during his incarceration. It appears that death hasn’t changed him much, as he still exerts his domineering presence, often startling those who visit his domain.
The tales of these restless spirits contribute to the chilling allure of Brushy State Penitentiary, drawing both thrill-seekers and paranormal experts eager to explore its haunted grounds. The penitentiary’s history and the stories of those who linger behind its walls continue to fascinate and terrify visitors from around the world.
Leave a Reply