What the System Is

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An illustration from the Atlanta Georgian and News, July 24, 1908, condemning the exploitative nature of the convict lease system.

Courtesy of Georgia Newspaper Project, Georgia Historic Newspapers.

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An illustration showing the rocks prisoners shovel turning into coins for a wealthy man.

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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.