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Slave Market Site

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Historical site
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Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)

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The Slave Market Site in Port of Spain stands as a somber monument to the transatlantic slave trade that fundamentally shaped the history of Trinidad and Tobago. During the 18th and early 19th centuries, this area near the waterfront served as the primary auction point where enslaved Africans were sold to plantation owners. The colonial economies of Spain and later Britain relied heavily on this forced labor to sustain the profitable sugar and cocoa industries. Today, the site is recognized with historical markers and serves as a focal point for Emancipation Day celebrations on August 1st. Preservation of this location focuses on educating the public about the brutal realities of the plantation system and the immense contributions of the enslaved people to the nation's development. It remains a vital space for reflection on human rights, heritage, and the enduring spirit of the Afro-Caribbean population in the face of centuries of oppression.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262627282827272727272726
Rain mm100615256117222202202141176213178

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
It is an outdoor memorial site freely accessible to the public. Visitors can walk around the area and reflect on the historical significance.
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Typical hours
Since it is an open-air memorial, it is typically accessible during daylight hours. There are no official opening times, so you can visit anytime.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed at the memorial site. However, be respectful and avoid photographing any sensitive commemorative elements.
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Time needed
A typical visit lasts between 20 and 40 minutes. It is a small site that does not require a long stay.
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Combine with
Combine a visit with other historic sites in Port of Spain or nearby. The city's other colonial-era landmarks are within walking distance.
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Getting there
The site is located in the downtown area and can be reached on foot or by taxi. Public buses also stop nearby.
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Insider tip
Visit early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds. Take time to read the informational plaques that explain the history.

Geography

Coordinates
10.66000, -61.50000

Facts

  • Slavery was officially abolished in the British Empire on August 1, 1834.
  • Trinidad remained under Spanish rule until the British capture in 1797.
  • The market site was located near the Treasury Building area in Port of Spain.
  • The 1783 Cedula of Population significantly increased the influx of enslaved people.
  • Most enslaved individuals brought here were destined for sugar and cocoa estates.
  • Trinidad and Tobago was the first country to declare a public holiday for Emancipation.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fort Gros IsletFort Gros Islet<1 km · WExplore →
Cathedral of the Immaculate ConceptionCathedral of the Immaculate Conception2 km · SExplore →
BaratariaBarataria3 km · NExplore →
WoodbrookWoodbrook3 km · SExplore →
MaravalMaraval4 km · SEExplore →
San JuanSan Juan5 km · NExplore →
Paria Coast CliffsParia Coast Cliffs5 km · EExplore →
Caroni RiverCaroni River5 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Slave Market Site (3)

Gonzales, Trinidad and Tobago📍 landmark

Neighborhood in Trinidad, known for historical markets and cultural diversity.

Holy Name Preparatory📍 landmark

Educational institution in Trinidad, providing primary school education.

Saint Mary's College, Trinidad and Tobago📍 landmark

Secondary school in Trinidad, founded by Catholic religious order.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the site accessible at all times?
Yes, as it is a public historical site.
Are there information panels on site?
Yes, there are signs explaining its historical significance.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is allowed for personal use.
How much time should I allocate?
About 20 minutes for a respectful tour.
Is the site child-friendly?
Due to the serious subject, it is better suited for older visitors.
Slave Market Site: where is it located?
Slave Market Site is located in Trinidad and Tobago.
Slave Market Site: what is there to see?
Highlights include Gonzales, Trinidad and Tobago, Holy Name Preparatory, Saint Mary's College, Trinidad and Tobago.
Slave Market Site: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Slave Market Site: why is it worth visiting?
The Slave Market Site in Port of Spain stands as a somber monument to the transatlantic slave trade that fundamentally shaped the history of Trinidad and Tobago.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Nearby cities

Chaguanas — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Chaguanas
The largest municipality of Trinidad, known for its vibrant markets.
San Fernando — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
San Fernando
The most populous city in the Trinidad region.
Port of Spain — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Port of Spain
The capital and third largest municipality of Trinidad and Tobago.
Arima — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Arima
A major commercial hub in eastern Trinidad.
Scarborough — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Scarborough
The capital and largest city of the island of Tobago.

History & landmarks

Memorial Park — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Memorial Park
An important memorial park in the capital.
Brian Lara Promenade — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Brian Lara Promenade
A popular public area in the heart of the city.
The Red House — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
The Red House
The seat of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago.
Parliament House — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Parliament House
The modern Parliament building in Port of Spain.
National Museum and Art Gallery — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
National Museum and Art Gallery
The most important museum for history and art.
Scotiabank Building — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Scotiabank Building
A prominent modern office building in the business district.
Holy Trinity Cathedral — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Holy Trinity Cathedral
A historic Anglican cathedral in the capital.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
A prominent Catholic cathedral.

Nature

Caroni River — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Caroni River
The largest river in Trinidad, emptying into the Caroni Swamp.

More places

Fort Gros Islet — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Fort Gros Islet
Historic fortification near Port of Spain.
Old Courthouse — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Old Courthouse
Historic justice building from colonial times.
Old Port Office — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Old Port Office
Historic administration building at the harbor.
Port of Spain Citadel — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Port of Spain Citadel
Former defensive citadel of the city.
Military Hospital Ruins — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Military Hospital Ruins
Remains of an old hospital for soldiers.
Fort George — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Fort George
A historic fort offering panoramic views of Port of Spain.
Spanish Chapel — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Spanish Chapel
Historic religious site.
Carenage Defensive Site — Slave Market Site (Trinidad and Tobago)
Carenage Defensive Site
Coastal fortification west of Port of Spain.