Franklin and Armfield Office

In the heart of Alexandria, Virginia, stands a building that whispers tales of America's past, a place where history, architecture, and human stories intersect. The Franklin and Armfield Office, now home to the Freedom House Museum, is a striking three-story brick structure that has borne witness to some of the most poignant chapters in American history. As you step through its doors, you are transported back in time to an era when this building played a central role in the domestic slave trade, a dark period that has indelibly shaped the nation's narrative.

The Early Years

Constructed in the 1810s by Robert Young, a brigadier general in the District of Columbia Militia, the building originally served as a private residence. However, financial difficulties soon forced Young to sell the house, setting the stage for its transformation into a site of significant historical importance. The building's Federal-period styling, characterized by its segmented arch openings and gabled dormers, hints at its early 19th-century origins.

Franklin & Armfield: The Largest Slave Trading Firm

In 1828, the building was purchased by Isaac Franklin and John Armfield, who established it as the Washington-area office of their slave trading firm. This firm quickly grew to become the largest in the United States, dealing in the sale and transport of enslaved people from the Upper South to the Lower South. The building's strategic location near Alexandria's wharves and docks facilitated the movement of thousands of enslaved individuals, a grim testament to the scale of the operations conducted here.

Franklin and Armfield's business model was both ruthless and efficient. Armfield would acquire enslaved people from Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware, often sending agents door-to-door to negotiate purchases. These individuals were then held in the building's rear extension, which featured high walls and prison-like grated doors and windows. From Alexandria, they were shipped south to be sold at higher prices, primarily in New Orleans and Natchez, Mississippi.

A Dark Legacy

The impact of Franklin and Armfield's operations was profound. They were responsible for the forced migration of at least 5,000 enslaved people, separating countless families and contributing to the vast internal slave trade that characterized the antebellum United States. The wealth amassed by Franklin and Armfield was staggering, making them two of the richest men in the nation at the time. Their legacy, however, is one of human suffering and exploitation, a stark reminder of the inhumanity of slavery.

Price, Birch & Co. and the Civil War

In 1858, the building was taken over by Price, Birch & Co., another slave trading firm. This company continued to operate until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. When Union forces arrived in Alexandria, they discovered that the traders had fled, leaving behind only one enslaved man, chained to the floor. The Union Army subsequently used the building as a military prison and, later, as L'Ouverture Hospital for black soldiers and housing for contrabands.

Post-War Transformation

After the Civil War, the building's outlying slave pens were demolished, and the bricks were likely repurposed for nearby construction. The main building itself went through various uses before being transformed into the Freedom House Museum. The museum, which reopened in June 2022, now serves as a poignant educational space, with exhibits dedicated to the history of the slave trade and the experiences of enslaved people in the United States.

The Freedom House Museum

Today, the Freedom House Museum stands as a testament to resilience and a commitment to remembering the past. Its exhibits provide a comprehensive look at the Black experience in Alexandria and the broader United States, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the enduring impact of slavery and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. The museum's partnership with the Northern Virginia Urban League and its acquisition by the City of Alexandria in 2020 underscore a communal effort to preserve this important historical site.

A Visit to the Franklin and Armfield Office

When you visit the Franklin and Armfield Office, you are not just walking through a building; you are stepping into a living history lesson. The structure itself, with its brick facade and Federal-period details, serves as a visual reminder of its early 19th-century origins. Inside, the exhibits bring to life the stories of those who passed through its doors, offering a sobering yet essential perspective on America's past.

As you explore the museum, take a moment to reflect on the resilience of those who endured unimaginable hardships and the importance of remembering their stories. The Franklin and Armfield Office is more than just a historic building; it is a symbol of a nation's journey, a place where history is not just preserved but actively engaged with, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform the present and shape the future.