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.

In the following pictures from Tibool you can see scenes from these chain gangs
and see how some of the poor women ended up in stripes and chains:

Members only

Continues