8a.FIRST-PERSON TESTIMONY: WILLIAM WELLS BROWN

An engraved portrait of William Wells Brown from the waist up, wearing a suit, his left hand tucked into the breast of his coat.

William Wells Brown

Title page of Narrative of William W. Brown, A Fugitive Slave, Written by Himself, published in Boston in 1847 at the Anti-Slavery Office.

Title page of William Wells Brown’s autobiography

A handbill features an illustration of the steamer Ben Franklin. People are working and strolling on the boat’s 3 decks, and barrels and bales of freight are stored on the bottom deck.

Broadside advertising steamboat service from Louisville to New Orleans

As you walk to Congo Square, listen to Track 8a - First-Person Testimony of William Wells Brown (above) who published an account of his experiences in slavery and freedom in 1847. 


Next, as you approach Congo Square, listen to Track 9 - Congo Square.


Directions to CONGO SQUARE:


From here we’ll head to Congo Square, the last stop on the New Orleans Slave Trade Marker Tour. Take Baronne Street toward the Canal Street. We’ll cross Canal and re-enter the French Quarter where Baronne becomes Dauphine Street. Continue walking down Dauphine for six blocks, until you reach St. Peter Street. Take a left on St. Peter and continue along the right side of the street until you reach Rampart Street. Looking across Rampart Street, on the corner of St. Peter, you will see an entrance gate to Congo Square, which is part of Armstrong Park. Cross the street and enter the park.

(AUDIO) DIRECTIONS TO NEXT SITE: CONGO SQUARE