Slave pens were a key component of the internal slave trade that developed after the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade in 1808. Slave traders or brokers developed an efficient system for moving slaves from the densely-settled Old South westward to the new cotton lands of the Deep South (see the interactive map). Pens like the one in this photograph were built to hold slaves passing through urban areas or being held for auction. They were usually coarsely constructed with dirt floors and no furniture. Here families were separated: husbands from wives, children from parents. Buyers prodded their prospective property and judged the condition of their skin and body, their gums, their hair, even the shade of their skin. Many slave owners believed that darker slaves were suited for heavy labor in the fields, while light skinned slaves were better suited for household service. Examine this photograph looking for clues to the way in which slaves were treated in the pens. What actions were such enclosures built to prevent?

Investigate the source using the zoom and navigational tools in the Flash player and then answer the questions below.

1			How was the structure built? What materials were used in its construction?
2			Where would the slaves in this pen sleep, eat, or bathe?
3			Who was in this picture? Why were these people there?
4			How were the slaves kept inside the pen?