Black Mountain in Buncombe County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Slavery by Another Name

Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 7, 2021

1. Slavery by Another Name Marker

Inscription. In an effort to save money, the track to Black Mountain was laid by convicts leased from the state. It cost 30 cents per day to house an inmate, whereas a free laborer made about $1.00 a day.

More than 500 convicts at a time, primarily African-American, served out their sentences - often for petty crimes, chained together to work during the day, packed into box cars at night.

Men did manual labor, women cooked. At least 125 convicts lost their lives to cave-ins, mudslides, illness, or escape attempts.

(photo caption:)

In this colorized postcard entitled, "Stripes but no Stars, Asheville, N.C.," an imprisoned work crew stands along newly-laid track while armed guards keep watch.

Erected by The Old Depot Association & Gallery, Black Mountain - Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund and Swannanoa Valley Museum & Library Center.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Railroads & Streetcars.

Location. 35° 36.936′ N, 82° 19.213′ W. Marker is in Black Mountain, North Carolina, in Buncombe County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Sutton Avenue and Cherry Street. Marker is outside the Old Depot Arts & Crafts

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Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 207 Sutton Ave, Black Mountain NC 28711, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Comings and Goings (here, next to this marker); The Center of It All (here, next to this marker); Separate, Not Equal (here, next to this marker); Up to Black Mountain (here, next to this marker); Hustle and Bustle (here, next to this marker); The Town of Black Mountain (here, next to this marker); George Winslow Whittington (a few steps from this marker); The Old Depot Association (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Black Mountain.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 7, 2021

2. Slavery by Another Name Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 301 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 16, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.