The Auction Block



Slave auction notices.


Using flyers and advertisements in the local newspapers, slave auctions became the prevailing method of selling slaves.  The auctioneer attempted to achieve the highest bid by listing the slave's skills, such as carpenter or cook, or by pointing out physical attributes, such as strength or youth.  After inspecting the slaves like animals, potential buyers proceeded to place bids as each slave was offered on the block.  


As a rule, skilled slaves were sold at higher prices.  Moreover, young female slaves sold for the highest dollar amounts since they were potential "breeders" for their owner.  In the late 1850s, male slaves were sold for approximately $1,300-$1,500, while females sold for as high as $1,800. 


Being sold by their master was a very real threat for slaves, especially since owners had no legal requirements to keep families intact.  Thus, slave owners used the threat of selling their slaves to enforce discipline and fear, and in many cases sold slaves as punishment for "unruliness."

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