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Today in History: The Great Slave Auction: Largest U.S. Slave Sale Begins

3/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 2, 1859, the Great Slave Auction commenced at Ten Broeck Race Course near Savannah, Georgia. Authorized by Pierce Mease Butler, the auction sold approximately 436 enslaved individuals to alleviate Butler's gambling debts. This event marked the largest single sale of slaves in U.S. history until a larger auction was discovered in 2022.

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Story summary

On March 2, 1859, the Great Slave Auction commenced at Ten Broeck Race Course near Savannah, Georgia. Authorized by Pierce Mease Butler, the auction sold approximately 436 enslaved individuals to alleviate Butler's gambling debts. This event marked the largest single sale of slaves in U.S. history until a larger auction was discovered in 2022.