Solomon Northup was born a free man in New York State. At the age of 33 he was
kidnapped in Washington D.C. and placed in an underground slave pen. Northup
was transported by ship to New Orleans where he was sold into slavery. He
spent the next 12 years working as a carpenter, driver, and cotton picker.
This narrative reveals how Northup survived the harsh conditions of slavery,
including smallpox, lashings, and an attempted hanging.Solomon Northup was
among a select few who were freed from slavery. His account describes the
daily life of slaves in Louisiana, their diet and living conditions, the
relationship between master and slave, and how slave catchers used to
recapture runaways. Northup's first person account published in 1853, was a
dramatic story in the national debate over slavery that took place in the nine
years leading up to the start of the American Civil War.
Solomon Northup was born a free man in New York State. At the age of 33 he was
kidnapped in Washington D.C. and placed in an underground slave pen. Northup
was transported by ship to New Orleans where he was sold into slavery. He
spent the next 12 years working as a carpenter, driver, and cotton picker.
This narrative reveals how Northup survived the harsh conditions of slavery,
including smallpox, lashings, and an attempted hanging.Solomon Northup was
among a select few who were freed from slavery. His account describes the
daily life of slaves in Louisiana, their diet and living conditions, the
relationship between master and slave, and how slave catchers used to
recapture runaways. Northup's first person account published in 1853, was a
dramatic story in the national debate over slavery that took place in the nine
years leading up to the start of the American Civil War.
