Sharpsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Old Slave Block
Photographed By Jordan Butler, April 5, 2020
1. Old Slave Block Marker
From 1800 to 1865 this stone was used as a slave auction block. It has been a famous landmark at this original location for over 150 years.Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 39° 27.528′ N, 77° 44.771′ W. Marker was in Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker was at the intersection of East Main Street (Maryland Route 34) and North Church Street (Maryland Highway 65), on the right when traveling east on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Sharpsburg MD 21782, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Kretzer Homestead (within shouting distance of this marker); Lutheran Cemetery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); General Edward Braddock (about 600 feet away); Sharpsburg's Big Spring (about 600 feet away); In Recognition of the Patriotism Shown by All Who Answered Our Country's Call in the World War (about
Photographed By Jordan Butler, April 5, 2020
2. Old Slave Block Marker
this page online
Also see . . . Marker temporarily removed. (Submitted on November 10, 2021, by Jordan Butler of Baltimore, Maryland, USA.)
Additional commentary.
1. Interesting Historical Connection
The slave auction block stands just a few hundred yards from the Antietam National Cemetery. The lasting impact of the battle fought at Antietam on September 17, 1862 was the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Lincoln on September 22. Lincoln felt he could not issue such an executive order abolishing slavery, even if only applying to the seceded states, without some signal victory on the battlefield. The Battle of Antietam, recorded as the bloodiest day in American History, was the event Lincoln needed. While not immediately applying to the border states, which included Maryland, the proclamation paved the way for the 13th Amendment. Thus in some ways the great battle that occurred around this stone ensure it would never be used as an auction block for people held in bondage.
Photographed By Jordan Butler, November 9, 2021
3. Old Slave Block Marker Temporarily Removed
Marker has been temporarily removed to clean and restore the Old Slave Block following vandalism in June 2020.
Additional keywords. slavery, human trafficking
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 9, 2008
4. Old Slave Block Marker
With now-demolished gas station barely visible.
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 9, 2008
5. Old Slave Block Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 12,719 times since then and 104 times this year. Last updated on November 10, 2021, by Jordan Butler of Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 10, 2021, by Jordan Butler of Baltimore, Maryland, USA. 4, 5. submitted on February 10, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
