Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Witness to History
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 12, 2021
1. A Witness to History Marker
"There is probably no relic in Fredericksburg that calls back more vividly the days of slavery…"
-Local Historian S.J. Quinn, 1908
A sandstone block stood on this corner for over 170 years as witness to the auctions of enslaved people. It was placed here in 1843, for use when the adjacent hotel was built. The building still stands. The block will be on display at the nearby Fredericksburg Area Museum.
Throughout the years, the auction block has been a controversial reminder of the city's dark days of slavery. In 2017, a member of the City Council urged city officials to find a new location for the block, and it was called "A relic of time gone by—a time of hatred and degradation—on a main thoroughfare of our city." After extensive study and public engagement, the City council voted to move the block to the Fredericksburg Area Museum. The block was removed on June 5, 2020.
The City of Fredericksburg is established methods to tell a more comprehensive story of our community, both at this site and citywide, which will amplify underrepresented voices and enhance the inclusiveness of public spaces. Interpretation of this auction block site is currently in design, and will incorporate information from oral histories, archival research, and recent archaeological investigation.
this page online
Erected by City of Fredericksburg.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1843.
Location. 38° 18.176′ N, 77° 27.707′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of William Street and Charles Street, on the left when traveling east on William Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 William Street, Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1877 (a few steps from this marker); James Monroe 1758 - 1831 (within shouting distance of this marker); Rose Gouverneur Hoes / Laurence Gouverneur Hoes (within shouting distance of this marker); 1818 (within shouting distance of this marker); The James Monroe Law Office - Museum and Memorial Library (within shouting distance of this marker); Bridgewater Mills (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Revolutionary War Patriots and War of 1812 Veterans Memorialized in this Historic Masonic Cemetery (about 300 feet away); 1890 (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Also see . . . Slave Auction Block. City of Fredericksburg (Submitted on September 20, 2021.)
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 12, 2021
2. A Witness to History Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 12, 2021
3. Auction block
Block has been moved to the basement of the Fredericksburg Area Museum as stated on the marker.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 12, 2021
4. A Witness to History Marker
Inset photo (lower left) caption: Lifting of the block in process on June 5, 2020.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 202 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 16, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
