These popular landmarks in the U.S. were once slave market sites

Fatiatu Inusah April 19, 2019
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Pic credit: Biloxi Sun Herald

Forks of The Road, Natchez Mississippi

Post-war developments in this area targeted slave markets as most of them were located in the central business districts. Forks of the Road was one of the busiest and profitable slave markets after the War of 1812. It had a route that connected to Alabama, Tennessee and Liberty Road with another going as far as southeast into Georgia making it a most viable meeting point. As many as 500 slaves could be found at the market in a day when the business was booming. The market was different from other slave markets as slaves at this market were bargained for and not auctioned. A young male slave could cost $500 in 1826 and $1600 in 1861 on the eve of the civil war. Currently, a shattered bar and a parking lot sit on the site. A marker at the intersection is the only evidence of what the place used to be.

Last Edited by:Victor Ativie Updated: April 27, 2020

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