Historic ‘Weeping Time’ site hits the market, advocates push for preservation

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Land formally at the center of a legal fight is now up for sale in Savannah.

The Weeping Time is where historians say more than 400 slaves were sold back in 1859.

SEE: Remembering The Weeping Time: the largest slave sale in Georgia history

It’s been an ongoing conversation for years about how community groups here can preserve the history of the Weeping Time.

This property in Savannah now being on the market is bringing that conversation to light once again.

“I grew up playing dodgeball, hide and go seek all in this area,” said Larry Gordon, President, Weeping Time Coalition Community Group.

It’s where Pastor Larry Gordon says he spent his childhood.

“436 slaves was on the auction block to settle a man’s debt,” said Gordon.

That time period in 1859 is known as the Weeping Time. The Savannah site was the largest slave auction in American history.

Many say this nearly 35 acres of land located on Old W. Lathrop Avenue represents that time. Advocates like Gordon, who pastors Solomon Temple Church of God in Christ and serves as President of the Weeping Time Coalition community group, are at the center of the fight to preserve it.

“When I heard about the Weeping Time, it became a part of me. A natural response,” said Gordon.

A lawsuit filed by the local coalition back in 2021 was dropped late last year to give room for state preservationists to keep the history alive.

Now that the property is on the market, local advocates want to come to an agreement.

“The city and the county and whoever is interested in being in this part of being on the right side of history, we welcome all partners to help us secure this property,” said Gordon. “Let’s get together and purchase it.”

Outside of Gordon’s church are the names of the slaves sold and lights that represent them. He says it’s crucial that they continue this fight.

This morning, WTOC reached out to Alderwoman Lanier who represents this area for comment about the city’s plan for the land moving forward.

We have not yet heard back.