Convict Lease System
Coal companies learned that convicts lacked mining skills and were a fixed costs, whereas miners were skilled and could be laid-off during economic downturns. The increased cost of providing troops and guards during the Coal Creek War hastened the demise of the convict lease system in Tennessee.
Erected by Coal Creek Watershed Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Coal Creek Watershed Foundation series list.
Location. 36° 12.883′ N, 84° 10.017′ W. Marker is in Rocky Top, Tennessee, in Anderson County. Marker is on Vowell Mountain Lane, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lake City TN 37769, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ghosts of Convict Miners (here, next to this marker); Fort Anderson (here, next to this marker); Why Miners Fought (here, next to this marker);
More about this marker. Marker is located on Militia Hill.
Also see . . . Convict lease. (Submitted on March 11, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 431 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 11, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.