Clarke County

Historical marker location:

325 East Washington Street, Athens, Georgia

( Marker is on East Washington Street, 0 miles west of North Thomas Street, on the right when traveling west.)

Marker installed: 1956

Audiobooks about the history of Georgia.

In the early 20th century, Georgia was known for its "convict leasing" system, which allowed companies to lease prisoners from the state for labor. The system was abolished in 1908 after investigations revealed widespread abuse and mistreatment of prisoners.