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

Edwin Epps House

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, April 7, 2018

1. Edwin Epps House Marker

Inscription. Completed in 1852 and owned by Edwin Epps, a former overseer of Oakland Plantation, the Edwin Epps House is located where LSU Alexandria stands today. This single story Creole cottage was originally built on Bayou Boeuf near Holmesville in Avoyelles Parish. The house was relocated to Bunkie, Louisiana in 1976 and to LSUA in 1999. Establishing himself as a planter, Epps owned Solomon Northup, who helped build the house. Epps was informed in this house that Northup, a slave he had owned for ten years (1843-53), was a kidnapped free man, who would be returned to his family in New York. After regaining his freedom, Northup told his story in the famous slave narrative "Twelve Years a Slave". His book inspired the documentary “Solomon Northup's Odyssey" and the movie "12 Years a Slave”.

Erected by Louisiana State University Alexandria.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 31° 10.515′ N, 92° 24.887′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Louisiana, in Rapides Parish. It is on Water Tower Drive south of Middleton Drive, on

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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 markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Epps House (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Epps House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Oakland Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Headquarters 1st Calvary Division, Army of West La., May 8, 1864 (approx. ¼ mile away); Oakland Plantation (approx. 0.3 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. 6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

More about this marker. Located on the campus of LSU-Alexandria (LSUA).

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, April 7, 2018

2. Edwin Epps House Marker

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 2,889 times since then and 307 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 8, 2018.