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City Unveils Historical Marker Honoring Victims of 1977 Maury County Jail Fire

Issue #759

June 26, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛈️ Columbia’s Saturday Weather - Thunderstorms, gusty wind, small hail possible w/ high of 87, low of 72

📰 City Unveils Historical Marker Honoring Victims of 1977 Maury County Jail Fire

📰 Hygrade Components Announces $1.6 Million Expansion in Mt. Pleasant

🗓 List of Upcoming Events - Just Updated!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🇺🇸 Got 4th of July Plans? Check out Our Guide Here! 👈

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

City Unveils Historical Marker Honoring Victims of 1977 Maury County Jail Fire

Click the image for more photos from today’s unveiling.

The City of Columbia unveiled a historical marker today commemorating the Maury County Jail Fire of 1977 during a ceremony held on the 49th anniversary of the tragedy, preserving the history of one of the most significant events in the community's past through the City's Historical Marker Program.

On Sunday, June 26, 1977, a fire broke out inside the Maury County Jail, claiming the lives of 42 people, including inmates and visitors. The fire remains the deadliest jail fire in Tennessee history and the second deadliest in the nation.

The tragedy began when padding inside a jail cell was set ablaze, causing smoke to rapidly spread throughout the building. Despite heroic efforts by local law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency personnel, and volunteers to rescue those trapped inside, many victims were unable to escape in the first critical moments of the fire.

The disaster prompted significant changes in jail design and construction standards across the country, helping improve safety measures in correctional facilities nationwide.

“This marker serves as a permanent reminder of a tragedy that forever changed our community and influenced correctional facility safety across the nation,” said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder. “While we cannot undo the pain experienced by so many families, we can ensure that the lives lost are never forgotten. Preserving and sharing these stories is an important part of remembering our past and educating future generations.”

Following the fire, the building was restored and continued to serve as the Maury County Jail until 1998. In 2001, it was converted into the Maury County Archives, and in January 2025, the facility was renovated, expanded, and rededicated, continuing its role as a place where local history is preserved and shared.

City Manager Tony Massey, who established the City of Columbia Historical Marker Program with the assistance of the late Bob Duncan, said the program was created to preserve the people, places, and events that have shaped Columbia's history.

“As a young man living in Columbia I recall the tragedy,” said Massey. “The Maury County Jail Fire left an indelible mark on Columbia, and it is important that future generations understand both the tragedy itself and the lasting impact it had on public safety throughout the country. Through our Historical Marker Program, we are committed to preserving the stories that define Columbia’s heritage.”

Since its creation, the City of Columbia Historical Marker Program has recognized 14 sites of historical significance, including the Bethel Hotel/Princess Theatre, Union Station Train Depot, Columbia Fire & Rescue, and Fairview Park, with additional markers currently in development. The program complements historical and commemorative markers installed by the Tennessee Historical Commission, Tennessee Civil War Trails, and other local organizations, creating a lasting record of the people, places, and events that have shaped Columbia while preserving those stories for future generations.

Hygrade Components Announces $1.6 Million Expansion in Mt. Pleasant

Hygrade Components announced plans to expand its operations in Mt. Pleasant through a long-term lease commitment at its North Main Street facility.

The project represents an investment of more than $1.6 million and is expected to create more than 30 new jobs in Maury County while supporting the company's growth into new markets.

As part of the expansion, Hygrade will add approximately 100,000 square feet to its existing Mt. Pleasant operation. Once complete, the facility is expected to employ around 100 people.

Founded in 1939 on Long Island, New York, Hygrade Components has operated in Mt. Pleasant since 1994. The company manufactures metal components primarily used in the window and door industry and has grown over the years through both organic growth and acquisitions.

Today, Hygrade maintains its corporate headquarters in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, along with manufacturing facilities in Arkansas and Oregon and warehousing operations in Texas.

Company leaders said the expansion reflects a long-term commitment to Mt. Pleasant and will allow Hygrade to increase capacity, support future growth and continue investing in the local workforce.

State officials praised the announcement, noting that the expansion highlights both the strength of Tennessee's manufacturing sector and Maury County's skilled workforce.

Upcoming Local Events

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Friday, June 26th

Saturday, June 27th

Sunday, June 28th

Monday, June 29th

Tuesday, June 30th

🇺🇸 Check out our 4th of July Guide! 🇺🇸 

Discount Code: Deeper

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, June 26
Open Mic - Grinder’s Switch Winery, 6-9 PM
Walker County - Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
DownSouth Band - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, June 27
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 12-6 PM
Vince Moreno - Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
Grasskickers - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Tunes for Tails - The Mulehouse, 6 PM
TBA - River Terrace, 6-8 PM
Bayou Blues Jam - Southern Bayou Kitchen (Spring Hill), 7 PM
The Tim Turner Band - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Yonder Grove - Twisted Copper, 7-10 PM
Curated Writers Round - Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
MFT Rebelling - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
The Howlin Embers - Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Six Strings Revolvers - The Boondox, 8 PM
Luvscene - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, June 28
TBA - Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Greg Minear - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2-5 PM
Zmed Brothers - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4 PM

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