Fredericksburg Places Display At Former Slave Auction Block Site

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The city of Fredericksburg completed phase one of improvements to the former site of the Slave Auction Block by installing a panel display and a circular medallion at the site while a permanent display is being developed.

In June, the city removed the 1,200-pound auction block from the corner of Charles and William Streets in downtown Fredericksburg. The removal of the block and the installation of the panel display are the beginning of a multi-phased process to interpret the site. Within the next 18 to 24 months, Fredericksburg plans to install a permanent interpretation for the site.

The wayside panel display was installed to mark the location and share information about the process with all audiences. The display is not intended to be comprehensive. But the city wanted to ensure that the site remains visible and that information is readily available to the public.

“Our community has led our city to be more purposeful in its decisions, to lead future generations to take pride in engaging in important and sometimes challenging conversations that guide us to a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse place for all," Fredericksburg Vice-Mayor Charlie Frye Jr. said Tuesday. "The City of Fredericksburg is grateful to all who have contributed and continue to contribute to this process and the many necessary steps ahead."

Together with Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Frye met at the site Tuesday to reflect on its meaning and demonstrate the city's commitment to the community.

The Slave Auction Block was transported to the Fredericksburg Area Museum where it will be displayed later this year.

Fredericksburg is continuing to seek public input on matters of racial equity. The city is hosting public virtual sessions on Wednesday and Thursday and then on Nov. 9 and Nov. 10 where it will receive public input on racial equity.

The city also will be publishing an anonymous survey on racial equity in Fredericksburg in the next few days. Residents can visit Fredericksburgva.gov/553/Get-Involved to learn more about what the city is doing on the issue racial equity.

Also, visit the city's website for more information on the Slave Auction Block relocation and reinterpretation.