9. Skilled Cook and Baker: $1,150 in Savannah
In 1857 Savannah, a woman renowned for her culinary expertise was sold for an impressive $1,150. Her skills as a cook and baker made her highly sought after by wealthy households eager to impress guests with refined cuisine. As noted by the New Georgia Encyclopedia, domestic specialists like her could command a premium at auction, elevating their price far above that of unskilled laborers and illustrating the diverse ways enslaved people’s talents were exploited.
