Skip to content

Museum object · Slavery and Freedom Objects

Lantern slide of the slave dealers, Birch & Co., in Alexandria, Virginia

1862

Alexandria, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

Source image for Lantern slide of the slave dealers, Birch & Co., in Alexandria, VirginiaLoading image…
Visit the source record ↗

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

Lantern slide of the slave trading firm of Price, Birch, & Co. of Alexandria, Virginia. The slide depicts a three story building is set to the right of the slide. A sign on the building reads “PRICE BIRCH & CO. / DEALERS IN SLAVES.” A tree is at the center of the image. Arrayed in the foreground are a horse, covered wagon and 10 soldiers. All the men are in full uniform, including hats, rifles, and swords. Printed vertically on the left of the image is “T.H. McALLISTER, Manufacturing Optician,.” Printed vertically on the right side of the image is “49 NASSAU STREET, NEW YORK.” A paper label is adhered to the back of the slide. Handwritten vertically in ink is “0290 Price, Birch & Co.’s Slave Pen / Alex. Va” The slide is in a metal frame.

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2018.43.6

Continue exploring Series 1

Slavery, Resistance & Freedom →Arts, Music & Culture →Business & Enterprise →Everyday Life & Community →

Explore all Series 1 cards →