The Old Slave Mart Museum in Historic Downtown Charleston

The Charleston, South Carolina area is a great place to live or have a vacation home.  The weather is great, the beaches are fantastic, golf courses are abundant, there are many historical sites, the architecture is unbelievable, the dining is unbeatable, and the people are the friendliest in the country.  It is because of these reasons that I believe Charleston SC Real Estate is truly unique.  I look forward to helping you with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs in Charleston, Berkeley, or Dorchester counties. Today’s article is titled:

The Old Slave Mart Museum in Historic Downtown Charleston

The Old Slave Mart Museum is located on one of Historic Downtown Charleston’s few cobblestone streets at 6 Chalmers Street.  It is believed that The Old Slave Mart is the only existing slave auction building in South Carolina and one of only a few such site remaining in the South.  The Old Slave Mart Museum recounts the story of Charleston's role in this inter-state slave trade by focusing on the history of this particular building and site and the slave sales that occurred here.

In 1808 The United States passed a ban on participating in the international slave trade.  Due to the rapidly expanding cotton and sugar plantations in the south there was an increase in demand for slave labor.  This led to the development of a thriving domestic salve trading business.  Charleston South Carolina was a one of the major centers of domestic slave trading. 

In 1856 Charleston passed a city ordnance prohibited the practice of public sales of salves which had been taking place on the north side of the Old Exchange Building.  This led to the opening of The Old Slave Mart on Chalmers Street which original was a complex of 4 structures surrounded by a brick wall.  The Old Slave Mart is the only one still standing.  Slave auctions ended at The Old Slave Mart in November 1863.

The Old Slave Mart was opened in 1938 and is the Oldest making it the oldest black museum of slave artifacts in America.  Recognizing the significant importance the institution of slavery has had in Charleston's history, the City of Charleston acquired the property in 1988.

The Old Slave Mart Museum is located at 6 Chalmers Street
Charleston, SC 29401.  For additional information call (843)958-6467. 
 
Museum Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm

Admission is:  $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and youth, children under 5 are free

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.

Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.

See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.

Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.

View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210 

Sincerely,

"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com