Fredericksburg to Install Memorial at Former Slave Auction Site

The historic slave auction block was relocated to a museum in 2020.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The city of Fredericksburg, Virginia is planning to install a memorial at the former site of a historic slave auction block that stood at the corner of William and Charles Streets. The auction block was relocated to a nearby museum in 2020 after years of standing as a symbol of the city's slave-trading past.

Why it matters

The slave auction block served as a painful reminder of Fredericksburg's history of slavery and the inhumane treatment of enslaved people. The planned memorial aims to acknowledge this history and educate the public about the site's significance.

The details

According to local officials, there were at least 20 documented sales of enslaved people that took place at the corner where the auction block stood. The block was removed in 2020 and relocated to the Fredericksburg Area Museum, where it is now on display.

  • The historic slave auction block was located at the corner of William and Charles Streets in downtown Fredericksburg.
  • The auction block was removed and relocated to the Fredericksburg Area Museum in 2020.

The players

Fredericksburg

The city in Virginia where the historic slave auction block was located.

Fredericksburg Area Museum

The museum where the slave auction block is now on display after being relocated from its original location.

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What’s next

The city of Fredericksburg is currently in the planning stages for the memorial to be installed at the former site of the slave auction block.

The takeaway

The planned memorial at the former slave auction site in Fredericksburg serves as an important step in acknowledging the city's history of slavery and educating the public about this painful chapter. It represents an effort to confront the past and work towards healing and reconciliation.