Slave Auction Block in Fredericksburg

This stone block, which stood on the corner of William and Charles streets in Fredericksburg, was used as an auction block for the sale of enslaved people. There had been a long-standing controversy over whether this stone block was actually used as a carriage stop rather than as a site for auctions; however, National Park Service historian John Hennessy has examined this question and concludes that this street corner was definitely the location for sales of enslaved individuals. His argument is based on nineteenth-century newspaper articles and advertisements, photographic evidence, and oral tradition. See here for details: https://fredericksburghistory.wordpress.com/2010/06/11/fredericksburg-seems-to-be-the-best-place-to-sell-slaves-in-the-state-more-evidence-on-the-auction-block/.

This 3D scan of the Fredericksburg Slave Block took place on September 24, 2017, one day after a public forum was held to discuss whether the auction block should be moved or kept at its original location. After a long legal battle, the 1,200 pound sandstone block was moved to the Fredericksburg Area Museum in October 2020.