The whipping post was used as a form of punishment in the United States from the 18th century through the early 20th century. It was usually used for slaves and other African Americans who were convicted of crimes such as theft, murder, and other serious offenses. The punishment involved the convict being tied to a post and whipped with a whip or a strap. The punishment was intended to be a deterrent, and it was used as a form of public humiliation.