Brushy Mountain Closing Ceremony

PETROS - The end of an era has come for the Tennessee Department of Correction.  The Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex, the state's oldest operating prison, will officially close on Thursday, June 11, 2009.   Brushy Mountain first opened in 1896.  It has served as a reception center for East Tennessee and as a maximum-security prison.

"The Brushy Mountain prison represents a remarkable chapter in the history of the TDOC," said Commissioner George M. Little.  "While the time has come to say goodbye to this grand institution, we are grateful to the citizens of Petros, Morgan County and the surrounding area for their support.  We commend the Brushy staff for their hard work and dedication and we look forward to many more accomplishments as we blend the old with the new at the Morgan County Correctional Complex."