Coffle facts for kids
A coffle was a group of enslaved people, often chained together, who were forced to march long distances by people who owned or traded them. This was a common and cruel way that enslaved people were moved across the southern United States before the American Civil War.
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What Was a Coffle?
Imagine a long line of people, sometimes as many as 100, all connected by heavy chains. This was a coffle. Enslaved men, women, and children were forced to walk for many days, sometimes even months, in these groups. They were marched from places where they were bought to places where they would be sold again. This journey was incredibly hard, dangerous, and painful for everyone in the coffle.
The Business of Slavery
Before the American Civil War, slavery was legal in the southern United States. People called slave traders bought and sold enslaved people as if they were property. These traders often bought enslaved people in states like Virginia where prices were lower. Then, they would force them to travel to states further south, like Louisiana and Mississippi, where they could sell them for much higher prices. This was a cruel business that made a lot of money for the traders.
Famous Slave Traders
One well-known company involved in this trade was Franklin and Armfield. They had special places called "slavepens" near Alexandria, Virginia. These pens were like holding areas where enslaved people were kept after being bought. Once enough people were gathered, they would be moved. Some were sent by ship, but many others were forced to join coffles and march south.
Where Were People Taken?
The main destinations for these forced marches were large slave markets in the Deep South. Two very famous and sad markets were in New Orleans, Louisiana and Natchez, Mississippi. The market in Natchez was known as the Forks of the Road Market. When the coffles arrived, the enslaved people would be sold to new owners, often separating families forever.
What Jobs Did They Do?
The enslaved people forced to march in coffles came from many different backgrounds. They had various skills and professions. Some were farmers or laborers who worked in fields. Others were skilled workers like carpenters or seamststresses. No matter their skills, they were all treated as property and forced into labor for their new owners.
