Tennessee is known for its music, rich history, and natural beauty. However, the state is also home to a number of abandoned places that offer a glimpse into its past. From decaying hospitals and factories to old mansions and schools, these sites tell fascinating stories of Tennessee’s history. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Tennessee for urban explorers and history enthusiasts.
1. Tennessee State Prison (Nashville, Tennessee)
Built in 1898, Tennessee State Prison is one of the most iconic abandoned places in Tennessee. The prison, known for its imposing Gothic architecture, housed inmates for over a century before closing in 1992. The crumbling cell blocks, rusting bars, and overgrown grounds have been used in films like The Green Mile and The Last Castle, but the site remains largely abandoned. Though closed to the public due to safety concerns, it remains a popular spot for ghost hunters and urban explorers.
2. Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary (Petros, Tennessee)
Another infamous prison, Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, was built in 1896 to house Tennessee’s most dangerous criminals, including James Earl Ray, the assassin of Martin Luther King Jr. The prison was closed in 2009 and left to decay, with empty cell blocks, overgrown exercise yards, and rusting fences. Today, it has been partially reopened for tours, but much of the facility retains its eerie, abandoned atmosphere.
3. Old South Pittsburg Hospital (South Pittsburg, Tennessee)
Built in 1959, the Old South Pittsburg Hospital closed in 1998 due to financial difficulties. The hospital has been left largely untouched, with decaying patient rooms, old medical equipment, and dark hallways giving it a haunted feel. The building has gained a reputation for paranormal activity, making it a popular destination for ghost hunters and urban explorers.
4. The TNT Bunkers (Milan, Tennessee)
Located near Milan, the TNT Bunkers were built during World War II as part of the Milan Army Ammunition Plant. The massive concrete bunkers, once used to store explosives, are now abandoned and overgrown with vegetation. The remote location and decaying structures offer an eerie exploration experience for those who seek out the relics of Tennessee’s military past.
5. Lost Cove (Unicoi County, Tennessee)
Lost Cove is a ghost town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Originally settled in the 1800s, the town was abandoned in the 1950s due to its remote location. Today, all that remains of Lost Cove are a few decaying buildings, including an old schoolhouse and several homesteads. The town’s isolation, combined with its history, makes it a haunting yet peaceful destination for explorers.
6. Meeman-Shelby Forest WWII Ammunition Bunkers (Shelby County, Tennessee)
Located in Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, these abandoned bunkers were built during World War II to store ammunition. Hidden deep within the forest, the crumbling concrete structures have been left to decay, with moss and vegetation overtaking the buildings. The remote location and military history make it an intriguing spot for exploration.
7. Wheat Community (Oak Ridge, Tennessee)
Wheat was a small farming community that was abandoned in the 1940s when the U.S. government took over the area to build the Oak Ridge National Laboratory as part of the Manhattan Project. Today, the remnants of the town, including the George Jones Memorial Baptist Church and an old cemetery, still stand as silent witnesses to a community displaced for nuclear research.
8. Old City Hall (Knoxville, Tennessee)
The Old City Hall building in Knoxville was built in the late 1800s in a beautiful Romanesque Revival style. After the government relocated, the building was left abandoned for several years, with its peeling paint, broken windows, and empty rooms standing in stark contrast to its former grandeur. Though some parts of the building have been restored, much of it retains its abandoned charm.
9. Ashlar Hall (Memphis, Tennessee)
Built in the 1890s by Robert Brinkley Snowden, Ashlar Hall was once a grand, castle-like mansion. After being used as a restaurant and nightclub, the building was abandoned in the early 2000s. Today, the mansion’s crumbling stone walls, overgrown gardens, and decaying interior make it one of Memphis’s most haunting abandoned landmarks.
10. Dunlap Coke Ovens (Dunlap, Tennessee)
The Dunlap Coke Ovens, built in the 19th century, were once part of a booming coal and iron industry in Tennessee. After the industry declined, the site was abandoned, leaving behind dozens of stone ovens, rusting machinery, and overgrown paths. The site is now preserved as part of the Coke Ovens Park, but much of it remains in a state of picturesque decay.
Conclusion
Tennessee’s abandoned places provide a fascinating look into the state’s industrial, military, and social history. From decaying prisons and hospitals to ghost towns and grand mansions, these locations offer a hauntingly beautiful exploration experience. As always, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect property laws when visiting these sites, as many are dangerous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, Tennessee’s abandoned places offer an unforgettable journey into the past.
