French Quarter in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Slave Auctions
Enslaved Africans were usually sold at wharves along the city harbor. Some Africans were sold near the Exchange, but most people sold here were born in the U.S., making this a key site in the domestic slave trade. In 1856, the city banned auctions of slaves and other goods from the Exchange. Indoor sales grew elsewhere, and Ryan's Mart, a complex of buildings between Queen and Chalmers streets, became the main downtown auction site.
Erected 2016 by The Old Exchange Building and Friends of the Old Exchange Building. (Marker Number 10 91.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.
Location. 32° 46.63′ N, 79° 55.615′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is in the French Quarter. Marker is at the intersection of East Bay Street and Gillon Street, on the right when traveling north on East Bay Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charleston SC 29401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lee Cohen Harby (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Exchange (within shouting distance of this marker); One Broad Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Convention on Ratification (within shouting distance of this marker); Farmers and Exchange Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Walker, Evans & Cogswell Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Second Bank of the United States (within shouting distance of this marker); As Old as Charleston (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.
Also see . . . Old Slave Mart Museum. (Submitted on July 7, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 607 times since then and 127 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 7, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.