Why is Solomon Northup important and why is there a day in Saratoga Springs honoring him? Solomon was born a free man in Minerva, New York, never having been a slave. His story is not unique, since many other born-free African Americans were stolen into slavery during that time.

Because Solomon Northup lived and worked as an accomplished violinist in Saratoga Springs AND he was abducted from Saratoga Springs (in fact, very close to actually where the Urban Cultural Park Visitor Center is today) – a fundamental violation of the law in New York State. While slavery was illegal in New York, it was not truly abolished in other states until after the Civil War.

It is important that we all remember at what a great price many have had to pay for their freedom. And it is important to remember that we as Americans can be proud that so many, a Canadian, Samuel Bass, together with black and white citizens of New York and Louisiana were steadfast in their determination to find Solomon and return him to freedom in his home state.

In 1852, letters sent by Solomon with the assistance of Samuel Bass, were forwarded to his wife, Anne, who immediately sought the consultation of a lawyer by the name of Henry B. Northup, who was a member of the family that once owned Solomon's father. The lawyer, a childhood friend of Solomon Northup, reviewed state laws and determined that a New York State Law passed on May 14, 1840 declared that if a free black resident was unlawfully taken into captivity as a slave they must be recovered. Upon hearing the evidence, the Governor of New York appointed Henry B. Northup to travel to Louisiana to reclaim Solomon which he did in that meeting in Marksville, Louisiana on January 4, 1853, despite attempts by the slave owner to resist. Solomon Northup's twelve-year terrible ordeal was now over . He could return to his home, family, and freedom. For an excellent account of Solomon Northrup's ordeal and rescue, go to Solomon Northup: From Freedom to Slavery to Freedom Again by Michael Kneller.

Questions to Ponder
(From Michael Keller):

Solomon Northup grew up as a free black man in New York State. What instances in his early life showed that he both utilized and enjoyed his freedoms? Based on his family history, why do you think it was extremely important to him to not only succeed, but also prosper?

Solomon notes in his autobiography that the slave pen in Washington D.C. was located in the shadows of the United States Capital Building. Based on his knowledge of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, he found that to be extremely ironic. Review those two documents and determine what parts would cause Solomon to feel this way. How does the fact that a slave pen existed in Washington D.C. make parts of those documents seem ineffective?

During Solomon's early years as a slave, he committed "slave crimes" that could have been punishable by death, such as resisting a whipping and fighting back. How do these early instances show Solomon's inability to give up the idea of freedom as he once knew it? Why were the laws and punishments for slaves so harsh?

James H. Burch was eventually arrested, sentenced, and sent to jail for kidnapping free blacks and forcing them into slavery. Conduct some research on the laws protecting free blacks at that time. How did the laws attempt to ensure their safety? At the same time, how did laws such as the Fugitive Slave Act make it enticing for people such as Burch to break the law?

Solomon noted throughout his time as a slave that the idea of slavery itself created an endless cycle of violence for both the enslaved and their owners through whippings and beatings, etc. Respond to this notion. Why would there be a cycle of violence for the owners as well? How could future generations for both races be brought into this cycle of violence? What type of working climate existed for the slaves because of the threat of violence? How motivated do you think the slaves were to work? Explain.

References
Michael Kneller. Solomon Northup: From Freedom to Slavery to Freedom Again. Slavery in America. Includes an audio exerpt from solomon Northrup's book, Twelve Years a Slave.

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