Road Gang

A Road Gang, also known as a chain gang or convict road gang, is a group of prisoners forced to perform physically demanding labor, primarily for public works projects such as road construction and maintenance. Historically, road gangs were a common feature of penal systems, particularly in the United States, where they were used extensively after the Civil War and during the Jim Crow era.

The use of road gangs was often justified as a cost-effective way to accomplish public works projects, provide job training for inmates, and punish criminal behavior. However, they were also deeply associated with racial discrimination and human rights abuses. African Americans, especially in the Southern states, were disproportionately represented in road gangs, and conditions were often harsh, with long hours, inadequate food and water, and brutal treatment by guards.

The practice of using road gangs declined significantly in the mid-20th century due to growing concerns about their inhumane conditions and their potential for exploitation. While road gangs have largely disappeared in their traditional form, some correctional facilities continue to utilize inmate labor for public works projects, often under stricter supervision and with better working conditions. These modern programs are typically framed as opportunities for rehabilitation and skill development rather than simply punishment. However, the history of the road gang remains a sensitive topic, representing a dark period of exploitation and injustice within the criminal justice system.