Alexandria in Rapides Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Epps House

Solomon Northup's Gateway To Freedom

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, April 7, 2018

1. Epps House Marker

Inscription. Constructed in 1852 for the Edwin Epps' family, this single story Creole cottage was originally located on Bayou Boeuf near Holmesville in Avoyelles Parish. Relocated to Bunkie, LA in 1976, the house was moved to the LSUA campus in 1999 and reconstructed. Formerly an overseer for Oakland Plantation, where LSUA stands today, Epps established himself as a planter and slave owner. Epps bought Solomon Northup in 1843 and owned him for ten years. Northup helped build the house. Master Epps was informed inside this house that Northup was a kidnaped free man who would return to his family in Glens Falls, New York. Northup tells of his experiences in his 1853 book, Twelve Years a Slave, which inspired a 1984 documentary, Solomon Northup's Odyssey, and a 2013 movie Twelve Years a Slave.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 31° 10.481′ N, 92° 24.847′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Louisiana, in Rapides Parish. It is on Water Tower Avenue north of Gregg Marshall Drive, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alexandria LA 71302, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana

and in Acadiana — Cajun Country.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Epps House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Edwin Epps House (about 300 feet away); Oakland Hall (approx. ¼ mile away); Headquarters 1st Calvary Division, Army of West La., May 8, 1864 (approx. 0.3 miles away); Oakland Plantation (approx. 0.4 miles away); Potter's Grocery (approx. 5.9 miles away); Dr. Whitehead's Medical Office (approx. 5.9 miles away); Meeker Sugar Refinery Gears (approx. 5.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

More about this marker. Located on the LSU-Alexandria (LSUA) campus, along the "Heart of Campus" Loop walking trail. Access from The Oaks Residence Hall parking lot.

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, April 7, 2018

2. Epps House Marker

April 7, 2018

3. Epps House

Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 1,620 times since then and 132 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 8, 2018.