Bruin's Slave Jail facts for kids
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Bruin's Slave Jail
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Bruin's Slave Jail in 2022
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 Location in Alexandria Historical District
Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1707 Duke St., Alexandria, Virginia |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1819 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 00000890 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 14, 2000 |
The Bruin's Slave Jail is a historic two-story brick building in Alexandria, Virginia. It was once used by a person named Joseph Bruin. He was involved in the business of buying and selling people who were forced into slavery.
Bruin's company, called Bruin and Hill, moved these people to different markets. These markets were mainly in the Southern United States. The building was a place where enslaved people were held before being moved.
History of the Building
The Bruin's Slave Jail building was constructed in 1819. It was part of a larger property owned by Joseph Bruin. This property included his home, a kitchen, and a wash-house.
During the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Joseph Bruin was captured. He was then held in Washington, D.C.. His property, including the slave jail, was taken over. This was done by the U.S. Marshals.
The building was then used for a different purpose. It became the courthouse for Fairfax County, Virginia. It served as a courthouse until 1865.
What Remains Today
Today, only the two-story brick building still stands. This is the part that was used to hold the enslaved people. Bruin's other buildings, like his home and kitchen, are no longer there. The building reminds us of a difficult time in history.
See also
- Slave pen, another name for a slave jail
