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On these chain gangs
there were no hard criminals. All the young women and girls
working in chains here, were sentenced for minor offences.
The
chain gangs were profitable ventures. Some of the states
and governors were alleged to have made a million dollars a
year, by leasing these unfortunate women to farmers, road builders and factories.
This made local sheriffs and judges eager to send as
many women as possible to the camps.
Especially young women living alone, plus female travelers and hitchhikers
also ran a great risk for being
arrested on the most frivolous charges and sentenced to 10,
15 or 20 years on the chain gangs.
This meant in reality
for life, as no one survived for so long under the harsh conditions.
Those who did often had their sentences lengthened by prison
staff.
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