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

Featured Content

James Oglethorpe

James Oglethorpe

Colonial Figures
Civil Rights Movement

Civil Rights Movement

Mid- to Late 20th Century Topics

Trending

Freedom Singers

Freedom Singers

Country & Folk
Country Music

Country Music

Country & Folk
U-boat Attacks during World War II

U-boat Attacks during World War II

Early 20th-Century Events
Georgia Guidestones

Georgia Guidestones

Sites & Museums

Updated Recently

Elbert County

Elbert County

3 days ago
Appalachian Trail

Appalachian Trail

2 days ago
Carter Center

Carter Center

2 days ago
Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter

3 days 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.

Learn More