Chain Gang Labor

Linked to Convict Lease System

Share Feedback

A Georgia chain gang builds a road in Oglethorpe County in 1941. After the prohibition of convict leasing in 1908, the state implemented the chain gang system as a source of inexpensive labor on major construction projects.

Courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division

Chain Gang Labor

Updated Recently

Sue Monk Kidd

Sue Monk Kidd

1 day ago
Shrimp

Shrimp

1 day ago
Stephen Corey

Stephen Corey

1 week ago

A More Perfect Union

The New Georgia Encyclopedia is supported by funding from A More Perfect Union, a special initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities.