West Ashley in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Hints of Slave Row
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2013
1. Hints of Slave Row Marker
In the clearing before you – although no visible signs remain – a row of six slave cabins may have stood.
Written records reveal little about the slaves’ lives, but all plantations demanded hard field labor. Perhaps this row of small houses offered the comfort of community, if the overseer didn’t interfere. Despite their status, the slaves retained elements of their African culture, comprising distinct customs, language and religion.
Slaves listed in the landowner’s will from 1861 include Venus, Pompey, James, John, Sarah, Abram, and Carolina. Mostly of European origin, these names reflect the owners attempt to separate the enslaved from their heritage. They were among the last victims of a culture that started when three enslaved Africans arrived as Charles Towne began in 1670.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location. 32° 48.226′ N, 79° 59.192′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is in West Ashley. Marker can be reached from Old Town Plantation Road. Marker is located on the History Trail at Charles Towne Landing. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1500 Old Towne Road, Charleston SC 29407, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker
this page online
More about this marker. A map that is located on the right side of the marker shows the location of the Legare Waring Mansion and the houses on Slave Row. It has a caption of “This 1836 map suggests that six slave houses were situated in this area, creating what is called a “slave row.” The cabins built after Charles Towne relocated were demolished in the 1930s by a caretaker who sold the materials for profit.”
A photo of various “slave artifacts” is on the lower left of the marker, with a caption of “When 1999’s Hurricane Floyd uprooted a large oak here, slave artifacts were discovered underneath. Future archeological investigation should yield more clues about the individuals who once lived in this slave row.”
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2013
2. Hints of Slave Row Marker
The open area behind the marker is where the slave houses are thought to have been located.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2013
3. Marker at Charles Towne Landing
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2013
4. Hints of Slave Row Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,233 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 19, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
