LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1501551
For hundreds, and even thousands of years, various people have called the Adirondacks home. Indigenous people were the first to enjoy its natural wonders and appreciate its challenges. Later, immigrants from England, France, Italy, Portugal, and more made their way here. Some have been guides, others miners, camp cooks, or peddlers. The Adirondacks has also been home to former slaves, and Black men and wom- en who were born free, and even a temporary respite for those fleeing slavery. Some of this history is lost and may never be recovered, but some remains, is hon- ored, and is treasured. If you follow the winding, scenic path of Route 28N, or County Route 24, you'll find yourself reveling in sun-dappled tunnels of trees, views of rolling moun- tains and expansive wilderness, and eventually, find yourself in the small town of Minerva, named after the Roman goddess of wisdom, victory, and justice. There you'll find a sweet town beach, flavorful ma- ple syrup, pine-scented camping, and waterside cot- tages. It's a place where the wilderness is all around, the sounds of summer are peaceful, and the fresh air is intoxicating. It's also the birthplace of a most extraordinary man, one who was born into freedom, endured the horrors of enslavement, and regained his freedom. In 1807 or 1808, Adirondack residents Mintus and Binore Northup became the parents of a baby boy. He was named Solomon, perhaps after the Biblical King of Israel. The name means "peaceful" and "friend of Remembering Solomon Northup By Aurora Pfaff "Having all my life breathed the free air of the North…" - Solomon Northup Clockwise from left: A self-portrait by Clifford Oliver who performs as Solomon Northup; (pictured left to right) Assemblyman Matt Simpson, Senator Dan Stec, Dagny Kelly, Paul Kelly, Teresa Brannon Strohmeyer, and town of Miner va super visor Stephen McNally stand by the newly erected sign [provided by Teresa Brannon Strohmey- er]; and a sunset behind the memorial sign [provided by Teresa Brannon Strohmeyer].