The Bench By the Road

The Bench By The Road at Fort Moultrie

NPS Photo/ A. Solgere

Quick Facts

Location:

Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island

Significance:

Middle Passage

The forced exodus of West Africans to the New World often ended in Charleston, which served as the entry point for nearly half of the captive Africans shipped to North America. Although its main function was military defense, Sullivan's Island also had quarantine stations to protect the colony of South Carolina from deadly diseases. Between 1707 and 1799, four "pest houses" were constructed on Sullivan's Island, though never more than one existed at the same time. These "pest houses" were used to quarantine enslaved passengers who arrived to the New World carrying infectious diseases. Although the exact locations are unknown, all were built between Fort Moultrie and the western end of the island.

Approximately, 2 million Africans died during the Middle Passage through various means. Harsh conditions, violent treatment and even the taking of their own lives all contributed to deaths of these enslaved captives. The Bench by the Road serves as a reminder for those Africans captured in the slave trade, whose lives were forever changed. The Bench by the Road can be found near the intercoastal waterway behind the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center. Take a moment to stop and reflect on the enslaved people who made the journey from Africa to Charleston and on those who lost their lives during this arduous journey.