Iron Leg Shackles

Definition

Iron leg shackles were devices used during slavery times to restrict enslaved people's movements. They were heavy iron rings connected by chains that were locked around a person's ankles.

Analogy

Imagine wearing heavy ski boots all day long, but you can't take them off when you want, and they're chained together so you can only take small steps.

Related terms

Slave Auctions: Public sales where enslaved individuals were sold to the highest bidder.

Underground Railroad: A network of secret routes and safe houses established in America during early-to-mid-19th century used by African-American slaves to escape into free states and Canada with aid from abolitionists who were sympathetic towards their cause.

Plantation System: A system prevalent in Southern US before Civil War where large farms (plantations) relied on enslaved laborers for production of cash crops like tobacco, cotton etc.