12 Years a Slave

160 years ago this year, Louisiana officials from the tiny town of Marksville, Louisiana righted a wrong which began in New York. The New York Times noted in an editorial at the time that the officials in Louisiana should be commended. Solomon Northup, who spent 12 years suffering as a slave on cotton plantations, managed to sneak a letter out which was mailed by Marksville carpenter from the local postoffice. That post office was located on Main Street, two blocks from the courthouse square where Northup was freed. Today it is the site of Avoyelles Publications, where this anniversary edition was published. This special 160th edition contains information which was not included in the original 1853 release.