Natchez in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Escaped! Freedom Seekers in 1863-1864
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, July 2, 2023
1. Escaped! Freedom Seekers in 1863-1864 Marker
As the Civil War descended into the Red River valley in 1863, the presence of U.S. soldiers located in nearby Alexandria began to disrupt plantation life and watchmen were posted each night. On June 20, 1863, Oakland Overseer, J. T. McNeely wrote "Edmo ran off today at 12 Oc." If Edmo is short for Edmond, he either returned on his own or was caught and forced to return, since records show that 20-year old Edmond again sought freedom in the spring of 1864.
During the Red River Campaign in March and April of 1864, a significant number of enslaved persons escaped the plantation, possibly emboldened by the sight of other Blacks following the U.S. Army. Although some returned, there is no later documentation for many of these freedom seekers.
U.S. Forces reached the plantation by March 22, 1864. Documents show about a quarter of the enslaved population - 11 men, 10 women and 15 children left with the U.S. Army, although Phanor Prudhomme gave the count as 12 men, 8 women and 12 children. On April 8, Phanor wrote "putting the house in order all day [the Main House had been pillaged by soldiers]... Charles has abandoned
this page online
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Network to Freedom series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1864.
Location. 31° 39.846′ N, 93° 0.185′ W. Marker is in Natchez, Louisiana, in Natchitoches Parish. It can be reached from Louisiana 494 (State Highway 494) near State Highway 119. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4285 LA-494, Natchez LA 71456, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this 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,
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, July 2, 2023
2. Escaped! Freedom Seekers in 1863-1864 Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Helaire Family of Oakland / The Shields Family of Oakland (here, next to this marker); Middleman to Yardman (within shouting distance of this marker); Quarters Community (within shouting distance of this marker); Cotton Ginning Time (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Corn Crib (about 300 feet away); Oakland Grist Mill (about 300 feet away); A French Connection (about 400 feet away); Maker of Most Things Wood (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Natchez.
More about this marker. Located on the grounds of the Oakland Plantation, part of the Cane River Creole National Historic Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2024, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 229 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 1, 2024, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
