Charlottesville Commemorates Its Past with New Marker at Historic Slave Market Location

Charlottesville has unveiled a powerful new historical marker at Court Square Park, recognizing its role as a site where both adults and children were sold into slavery from 1762 to 1865. These transactions often occurred during monthly “Court Days,” with official records documented at the nearby Albemarle County Courthouse. The marker not only memorializes the atrocities committed on that ground but also seeks to educate the public on the region’s deep entanglement with slavery.This initiative was led by the Charlottesville Historic Resources Committee in 2023, following the 2020 theft of a previous plaque that briefly stood in its place. The new marker is part of a broader statewide effort, joining more than 2,900 historical signs across Virginia that acknowledge pivotal events and individuals. As Charlottesville continues to grapple with its complex legacy, this public acknowledgment plays a critical role in confronting history, fostering dialogue, and honoring the lives affected by the institution of slavery.