1840-1950

Historical marker location:

1200 New Jersey Ave SE, Navy Yard, District of Columbia

( Marker is on M Street Southeast just west of 4th Street Southeast, on the right when traveling east.)

Marker installed: 2021

The District was a major center of the slave trade in the 19th century: Prior to the Civil War, Washington, D.C. was home to one of the largest slave markets in the country. Slaves were bought and sold in public auctions held in the city, and many prominent politicians and businessmen owned slaves.