The Old Gaol - Motorcycle Riding Moms

I spent the 1^st Saturday in November enjoying a ride to “The Old Gaol” located on East Green Street in Greensboro, GA. The Old Gaol was constructed in the early 1800s after the Superior Court of Greene County recommended in 1807 that a substantial jail be built. The result of that request was the “rock Gaol” patterned after European bastilles. The Old Gaol was used from until 1895 when a new jail was built next door.

Per Explore Georgia.org website, the downstairs cells are like European catacomb cells. Prisoners could be chained to the wall, were given a bed of straw, a tin bucket for a toilet and a candle. There was no other light, no heat and no ventilation.

Hanging was the legal method of execution in Georgia from 1735 to 1924. The Old Gaol has the gallows and trap door from the 1800s where the hangman stood on the steps, pulled the lever, and the trap door fell away.

The hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. The admission is free. Unfortunately, I couldn’t view the inside because The Old Gaol is closed on the weekend. However, historic downtown Greensboro surrounding The Old Gaol has a wide selection locally owned boutiques and shops to explore.

There are antique shops and casual dining restaurants. The dining options include traditional southern, good old soul food, barbeque, French, Mexican and Chinese. We ate at The Yesterday Café which has a world-famous buttermilk pie. You will not be disappointed with the southern themed entrees and the delicious variety of homemade desserts.