In 1859, the largest slave auction in American history began at a Georgia racetrack
At a rain-soaked Georgia racetrack in 1859, the sale of 436 men, women, and children became known as 'The Weeping Time' due to the profound tragedy of families being permanently torn apart.
In March 1859, Pierce Mease Butler sold 436 enslaved people at the Ten Broeck Race Course to settle massive gambling debts. This two-day event remains the largest recorded land-based slave auction in American history.
There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.
Continue Reading in App
2 more paragraphs · plus a 2-question quiz