12. The Seamstress: $1,900 in New Orleans
A talented seamstress in New Orleans was purchased for $1,900, a testament to the demand for textile and garment-making skills among urban elites. Her ability to create, mend, and tailor clothing made her indispensable in affluent households. Skilled female laborers often attracted elevated prices, especially in cities where fashion and appearance mattered. This sale highlights the economic premium placed on specialized domestic talents within the enslaved community.
