Remembering their history
starts with you
We investigate the history of the convict lease system in Tennessee.
Between 1871 and 1896, thousands of African American and White men, women, and children were sold to Tennessee businesses as convict laborers. These prisoners were frequently worked to death as punishment for petty crimes. Since 2020, we have used archaeology and archival history to shed light on this horrific system. Find out how you can help.
Our Organization
Learn about our mission, current projects, and future directions.
Our Research
Since 2020, Camille Westmont has been directing excavations at the Lone Rock Stockade — the largest private prison stockade in Tennessee. This research project is currently the centerpiece of the Tennessee Convict Stockade Project.
Get Involved
Sign up for our newsletter, help transcribe archival documents, or consider donating to the project.