Vagrancy Laws
No place for the landless people. Freedom was short lived for many African Americans if they could not find work and housing. Segregation and Jim/Jane Crow laws were quickley created by white supremists to "keep the freed Black people in their place"
No place for the landless people. Freedom was short lived for many African Americans if they could not find work and housing. Segregation and Jim/Jane Crow laws were quickley created by white supremists to "keep the freed Black people in their place"
"Vagrancy laws in North Carolina allowed the sheriff to arrest Black people who were unemployed and looking for work. Some were forced into working at prison farms like this one in Durham, circa 1880."
Courtesy Durham Historic Photographic Archives, North Carolina Collection, Durham County Library
The Hawley Museum is passionately committed to uncovering and sharing the fascinating family stories that have influenced our state's and nation's history. We believe that every family has a unique story to tell, one that adds depth to the rich tapestry of North Carolina and U.S. History.
We encourage you to reflect on your own family narrative—did your ancestors play a pivotal role in these historical events? We invite you to become a part of our family curator team by sharing your family's history, whether it be through photos, videos, articles, or documents.
Let’s work together and weave a more comprehensive narrative that honors the roles families have played in our collective past to inspire future museum visitors.
The Hawley Museum is passionately committed to uncovering and sharing the fascinating family stories that have influenced our state's and nation's history. We believe that every family has a unique story to tell, one that adds depth to the rich tapestry of North Carolina and U.S. History.
We encourage you to reflect on your own family narrative—did your ancestors play a pivotal role in these historical events? We invite you to become a part of our family curator team by sharing your family's history, whether it be through photos, videos, articles, or documents.
Let’s work together and weave a more comprehensive narrative that honors the roles families have played in our collective past to inspire future museum visitors.