Luray in Page County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Slave Auction Block
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 29, 2006
1. A Slave Auction Block Marker
Legend and narrative testimonies describe this stone as
A Slave Auction Block
From the Page News & Courier, August 31, 1961: “This native sandstone block . . . which stood at the corner of Main and Court Streets at the Chamber of Commerce building . . . was used as a perch for slaves about to be sold at auction . . . The stone is said to be one of the few now in existence.”
It is similar to many which existed in the South prior to the Civil War.
As a part of everyday life, black men, women and children would be displayed and examined on slave blocks and sold for the highest bid. Family groups were frequently sold apart; husbands from wives, mothers from children, etc.
This block is an historic symbol of a dark past of man’s inhumanity toward his fellow man. It is also a symbol of how far we have come in learning to respect its victims and in resolving to go forward into the future with mutual respect and understanding.
Erected 2005.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1961.
Location. 38° 39.823′ N, 78° 27.589′ W. Marker is in Luray, Virginia, in Page County. Marker is on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Massanutten School (a few steps from this marker); Confederate Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mt. Carmel Baptist Church (about 300 feet away); Luray, Virginia Established 1812 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Chinkapin Oak (approx. 0.2 miles away); White House Ferry (approx. 0.2 miles away); Page County Veterans Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Revolutionary War Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Luray.
Also see . . . Slave Auction Block. Luray Slave Block website homepage (Submitted on August 24, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional keywords. human trafficking, slave trade
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 29, 2006
2. Auction Block and Marker
The railroad station, under renovation, is in the background.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 29, 2006
3. Wreath Placed at Marker
Ever since I was young, my enemies have persecuted me cruely, | but they have not overcome me. | They cut deep wounds in my back | and made it like a plowed field. | But the Lord has freed me from slavery. | May everyone who hates Zion be defeated and driven back. —Psalms 129: 2-5
Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2006. This page has been viewed 5,888 times since then and 41 times this year. Last updated on November 2, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 4, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
