New historical marker in Milledgeville highlights Georgia State Prison Farm

Marker at Walter B. Williams Park shares complex history of Georgia’s prison system

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A new historical marker is now in place in Milledgeville that highlights a complex part of Georgia’s past.

The Georgia Historical Society unveiled the marker at Walter B. Williams Park Tuesday, recognizing the history of the Georgia State Prison Farm.

Program Manager Breana James says the history behind the site is significant, even as it reflects a complicated time.

“This is a very complicated history, but it’s so significant to tell, because this was a time in America’s and Georgia’s history where the philosophy of prisons were changing, and it since has changed again,” James said. “So telling that moment in time, and showing how Georgia was part of this national movement, is an important thing to not only remember, but reflect on.”

The site dates back to the late 1800s and operated until about 1937.

Officials say the prison farm housed mostly women, juveniles and men who were not assigned to chain gang or convict labor systems.

The marker is part of a statewide program aimed at sharing and preserving Georgia’s history.