Welcome to www.n-georgia.com

Visit the Old Greene County Gaol

Free Stuff To Do In Georgia Georgia Overnight Accommodations Shopping in Georgia Videos of places and things to do in Georgia Georgia Jobs and GA Department of Labor Weather in Georgia Maps of places in Georgia Contact Us Advertise in N-Georgia.com

Home
Georgia Travel Regions
Georgia Coast and Islands
Georgia Festivals and Events
Georgia Lakes
Georgia Fishing Lakes
Georgia Rivers
Georgia Waterfalls
Georgia National Parks
Georgia State Parks
County Parks
Georgia Wildlife
Georgia U S Forests
Georgia Farmers Markets
Georgia Gardens
Georgia Civil War Sites
Georgia Historic Sites
Georgia Museums
Georgia Plantations and Observatories
Georgia Audubon Society
Georgia Covered Bridges
Georgia Driving Tours
Georgia OHV Trails
Georgia Bike Trails
Georgia Horseback Riding Trails
Ourdoor Activities Safety Tips
Georgia Tourist Centers
Old Green County Gaol
Gaol is the British spelling of jail. The downstairs cells are like the European catacomb cells. Prisoners in these cells could be chained to the wall if necessary.

Old Green County Gaol - In 1807, the Superior Court of Greene County recommended that a substantial jail be built. The "rock gaol" is the product of that request. Built of granite from a local quarry, the walls are two feet thick. It is the oldest standing masonry jail in Georgia. The building is patterned after the bastilles of 100 years ago with a European influence.

"Gaol" is the British spelling of jail. The downstairs cells are like the European catacomb cells. Prisoners in these cells could be chained to the wall if necessary. They were given a bed of straw to sleep on, a tin bucket for a toilet, and a candle. There was no other light, no heat, and no ventilation. People arrested for non-violent crimes were sometimes put in the upstairs room where they at least had light.
The legal method of execution in Georgia was handing from 1735 to 1924. The sherriff in the county or judicial circuit where the crime was committed carried out the execution. The gallows and traop door of the Gaol are just as they were in the 1800's. The hangman stood on the steps, pulled the lever, and the trap door fell away.

We have information only on one execution in Greene County. George Copeland, a citizen of Greene County, was hung in 1873 for murder. As the story is told, when the hangman pulled the lever to release the trap door, the rope broke. In those days, if you survived the execution, you were usually set free. Unfortunately, this was not the case for Mr. Copeland. He was hung a second time.

The Gaol was used by the County until 1895 when a new jail was built next door. The new jail combined a detention facility with the Sheriff's residence. Recently renovated, it is now the L.L. Wyatt Museum housing memorabilia from Greene County's law enforcement history.
Hours of Operation
Open 9am to 5pm. Call and pick up key at Chamber.
Amenities, Phone & Address
Phone: 706-453-7592 – Address: S Greene Street, Greensboro, GA 30642
 
Loading


Classic South GA Travel Region Map and Info
Classic South GA Travel Region Printable Map

Bullet

Classic South Travel Region Activities:
BulletFestivals & Events
BulletFree Outdoor Activities
BulletFun Activities $5 & Under
BulletTourist Centers
BulletTravel Region Info


HomeFree Stuff To Do - Festivals & Events - State Parks - County Parks  - Georgia National ForestsWildlife Areas    
WRD Archery & Firearms Ranges - National Parks Services Sites - Hiking Trails - Horseback Riding Trails - OHV Trails - Bike Trails-Driving Tours
Covered Bridges - Historic Sites - Museums - Coast & Islands - Rivers - Lakes - Fishing Lakes - Waterfalls - Gardens - Planetariums -
 - Maps - Videos - Safety Tips - Dept of Labor - Privacy Policy -  Contact - N-Georgia Sitemap -Sitemap page 2
Cookies Policy
Website created 1999 ©2024. All rights are reserved. Website updated on 8/19/2024
.