A powerful storm last night produced at least two tornados that struck Nashville, Tennessee, destroying significant portions of the historic Tennessee State Penitentiary, among many other buildings in the region. More photos are posted over at https://abandonedonline.net/tornado-destroys-tennessee-state-penitentiary-overnight/

 

 

 

 

 

The former state prison operated from 1831 to 1992 along the Cockrill Bend of the Cumberland River northwest of the city, although the Administration Building and the two primary cell blocks visible from the highway were built in 1898. Patterned after the Auburn Prison in Auburn, New York, the 800-cell facility was the site of numerous riots and disturbances over the years because of severe overcrowding issues. It closed after mass riots and lawsuits forced the construction of more modern facilities.

 

The following photos are from the Tennessee Department of Correction and show how much of the east cell block was destroyed with the exception of the cast iron cell blocks. The Administration Building at center received some damage but it did not receive a direct blow. The Power Plant had considerable destruction.

 

 

 

 

 

I wonder what the state will do with the property now. Back in 2007, we had led events and tours inside the property through the state's film office but those ceased when the rear of the property began to be used again for the state's correctional industries. I had been working with the state's film office for some events this year but it seems that this will be the end of that.

Such a shame.

Just imagine if this had happened when it was holding prisoners...chaos!