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Charleston was the major point of entry for Africans brought to America in the eighteenth century. Approximately
three out of four enslaved Africans came to America through this port city, which had a black majority by 1790. In
1808, the foreign slave trade was abolished, but American-born slaves continued to be bought and sold until the Civil War.
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In Charleston, bells tolled the curfew every night at ten o'clock, by which time all slaves
had to be off the streets. Those found out after curfew without written permission from their
masters could be imprisoned and severely beaten.
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Lowcountry planters purchased slaves at public auctions on the streets of Charleston and used them to cultivate
crops on their plantations. Many slaves were also purchased by city dwellers to perform a variety tasks, working
as sailors, fishermen, blacksmiths, brick masons, carpenters and cabinetmakers. The majority of slaves in the city,
however, were domestic servants.
Enslaved African Americans contributed to the rich urban culture that evolved in Charleston. The city's cuisine,
patterns of speech, and its customs and manners reflect the influence of black residents. As an institution, slavery
limited the most basic freedoms. Slaves could not live and work as they pleased, and the local militia closely monitored their movements.
Life in a busy seaport did provide opportunities not available to slaves on the plantations. Although it was illegal
for slaves to learn to read and write, many became literate through the efforts of black churches. Highly skilled
slaves, such as brick masons and carpenters, were often hired out by their masters to work for others. The slave's
salary was usually paid directly to the master, but a highly skilled artisan could negotiate to keep a portion of his
wages. The "hiring out" system created greater knowledge of the outside world and facilitated communication between
slaves and free blacks. Many used their incomes to purchase their freedom or the freedom of their wives and children.
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LOCATION
Downtown at 51 Meeting Street, two blocks south of the "Four Corners of Law" (intersection of Broad and Meeting streets)
Click the map above for Driving Directions.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday - Saturday : 10 a.m. - 5 p.m
Sunday : 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Last tour begins at 4:30 p.m.
PURCHASE TICKETS
$10 or visit both the Nathaniel Russell House and the Aiken-Rhett House for $16. Tickets may be purchased at either site.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
INFORMATION
Phone: (843) 724-8481
Email: vperry@historiccharleston.org
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