Greensboro in Greene County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Old Greene County "Gaol"

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Photographed By David Seibert, January 19, 2009

1. Old Greene County "Gaol" Marker

Inscription. The old rock jail in the rear of the Court House is patterned after the bastilles where prisoners were housed and punished a hundred or more years ago. Built of granite about two feet thick, it is two stories in height and has a trap door in the floor of the upper story where condemned prisoners were hanged. An iron bar supported the trap door. When the signal was given, the hangman pulled the lever that controlled the bar and the culprit was launched into eternity.

This prison was built about 1807, after the General Presentments of the Greene County Superior Court recommended that a substantial jail be built.

The cells are veritable dungeons without light or ventilation, except for the grated door downstairs and the small, grated windows above. The dungeons in Fort Marion are no more horrible. It was used as a jail until about 1895.

Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 066-5.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1807.

Location. 33° 34.616′ N, 83° 10.892′ W. Marker is in Greensboro, Georgia, in Greene County. Marker is on East Greene

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Street, 0 miles east of North Main Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Greensboro GA 30642, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sheriff L. L. Wyatt (within shouting distance of this marker); Greensboro Auditorium (within shouting distance of this marker); William C. Dawson (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Commissioner of Agriculture (about 300 feet away); Greene County (about 300 feet away); Episcopal Church of The Redeemer (about 500 feet away); The Burning of Greensborough (about 700 feet away); Bishop George Foster Pierce (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greensboro.

Additional keywords. Jails, Prisons

Photographed By David Seibert, January 19, 2009

2. Old Greene County "Gaol" Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,301 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 2, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.