Downtown in Louisville in Jefferson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Slave Trading In Louisville / Garrison Slave Pen Site
Photographed By Michael Herrick, May 18, 2017
1. Slave Trading In Louisville Marker
Slave Trading In Louisville. By the 1850s, Kentucky was annually exporting between 2500 and 4000 of its slaves down river to the large plantations further south. To prevent runaways, traders operating near the Ohio River kept slaves shackled together in pens when not being displayed to buyers. Slave traders were often social outcasts avoided by all but fellow traders.
Garrison Slave Pen Site. Matthew Garrison was a well known Kentucky slave speculator in the Deep South. A white abolitionist leader, Rev. Calvin Fairbank, wrote in 1851 that four slave markets, including Garrison’s and Arterburn’s, sold men, women, and children ”like sheep.” Slavery abolished by 13th Amendment, 1865.
Erected 1996 by Kentucky Historical Society · Kentucky Department of Highways; presented by Louisville and Jefferson County African American Heritage Committee, Inc. (Marker Number 1990.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.
Location. 38° 15.367′ N, 85° 45.191′ W. Marker is in Louisville, Kentucky, in Jefferson County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of S 2nd
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Galt House (a few steps from this marker); The Discovery of the Ohio River (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Forester Distilling Co. (within shouting distance of this marker); Coon Hollow Distillery Offices (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Louisville Water Company (about 300 feet away); Birth of Truth In Advertising (about 500 feet away); First Louisville Slugger Bat (about 500 feet away); Kentucky National Bank Building (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Louisville.
Additional keywords. human trafficking
Photographed By Michael Herrick, May 18, 2017
2. Garrison Slave Pen Site Marker
Photographed By Michael Herrick, May 18, 2017
3. Slave Trading In Louisville / Garrison Slave Pen Site Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 2,922 times since then and 213 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 7, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
