Old Slave Mart Museum
Completed in 1859, on the eve of the Civil War, slave auctions were held in this shed, once part of a complex of buildings known as Ryan’s Mart. Slaves stood chained on auction tables here, 3-feet high and 10-feet long, placed lengthwise so potential buyers could examine them during the sale. Slave auctions ended in 1863.
At this poignant museum dedicated to African-American history and human stories of the slave trade, rare recordings of ex-slaves are preserved inside, along with a permanent exhibit, “Triumph over Slavery.” The buildling is in the National Register of Historic Places and worth your time to visit.
Completed in 1859, on the eve of the Civil War, slave auctions were held in this shed, once part of a complex of buildings known as Ryan’s Mart. Slaves stood chained on auction tables here, 3-feet high and 10-feet long, placed lengthwise so potential buyers could examine them during the sale. Slave auctions ended in 1863.
At this poignant museum dedicated to African-American history and human stories of the slave trade, rare recordings of ex-slaves are preserved inside, along with a permanent exhibit, “Triumph over Slavery.” The buildling is in the National Register of Historic Places and worth your time to visit.
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