Derry in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Escaped! Freedom Seekers in 1863

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, July 2, 2023

1. Escaped! Freedom Seekers in 1863 Marker

Inscription.
Magnolia Plantation is associated with an 1863 freedom seeker named Arnold who escaped with two others named Anderson and Alfred from adjacent plantations. Arnold belonged to Ambroise LeCompte (or LeComte), and Anderson and Alfred belonged to LeComte's sons-in-law, Mathieu (Matthew) and Henry Hertzog.

Although we do not have much documentation on this issue, we assume that these men were reclaimed by LeComte and the Hertzogs, but what became of them later we do not know.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Network to Freedom series list.

Location. 31° 32.949′ N, 92° 56.406′ W. Marker is in Derry, Louisiana, in Natchitoches Parish. It can be reached from Louisiana 119 (at milepost 119), one mile north of Highway 1, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1111 LA-119, Cloutierville LA 71416, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

marker is in Central Louisiana.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

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 walking distance of this marker: Escaped! Freedom Seekers in 1804 (here, next to this marker); Gardens and Porches (within shouting distance of this marker); Unearthing The Past (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tornado (within shouting distance of this marker); The Quarters Community (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Plantation Landscape (about 400 feet away); A River Runs Through It (about 500 feet away); Magnolia Plantation (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Derry.

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, July 2, 2023

2. Escaped! Freedom Seekers in 1863 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 218 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 8, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.