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
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.
Location. 39° 27.429′ N, 77° 44.704′ W. Marker is in Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. It can be reached from the intersection of South Church Street (Maryland Route 65) and Alley 3, on the right when traveling north. The marker has been moved into storage. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 206B S Church St, Sharpsburg MD 21782, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region and in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mark A. Smith Memorial Park (a few steps from this marker); Tolson's Chapel (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tolson's Chapel and School (about 500 feet away); Canals and Turnpikes Fuel Economic Growth (about 700 feet away); Sharpsburg and the Battle (about 700 feet away); Sharpburg's Architecture and Prominent Residents (about 700 feet away); Returning Veterans and Remembrance (about 700 feet away); Lutheran Cemetery (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sharpsburg.
Also see . . . Marker temporarily removed. (Submitted on November 10, 2021, by Jordan Butler of New Windsor, Maryland, USA.)
Additional commentary.
this page online
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.
— Submitted February 10, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Additional keywords. slavery, human trafficking
Photographed by Jordan Butler, April 5, 2020
2. Old Slave Block Marker
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.
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 April 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 14,793 times since then and 150 times this year. Last updated on November 10, 2021, by Jordan Butler of New Windsor, Maryland, USA. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 10, 2021, by Jordan Butler of New Windsor, Maryland, USA. 4, 5. submitted on February 10, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
