The Old Slave Mart

The Old Slave Mart Museum occupies a former auction house in downtown Charleston where enslaved people were bought and sold between 1856 and 1863. The structure demonstrates the physical reality of this commercial trade and the layout designed to facilitate these transactions.

After the international slave trade was banned in 1808, Charleston became a major hub for domestic slave trading with auction facilities spread throughout the city. This building is the only surviving auction house from that era.

The site preserves personal accounts and objects that belonged to enslaved people, allowing visitors to learn directly from their words and possessions. These materials connect visitors to the everyday experiences of individuals whose lives unfolded here.

The museum sits in the historic downtown area and is easily accessible on foot, with parking available nearby. Plan enough time to move through the exhibits at a comfortable pace and fully absorb the content presented.

The museum became the first African American-focused slave history museum in the United States when it opened in 1938, pioneering a new approach to historical interpretation. This early leadership shaped how communities would later engage with difficult histories.

Location: Charleston

Address: Chalmers Street

Phone: +18439586467

Website: http://oldslavemartmuseum.com

GPS coordinates: 32.77785,-79.92842

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:00