Solomon Northup's father, Mintus, was born into slavery and only freed after his master’s death. Solomon, however, was born a free man in New York and lived the American dream with a home and a loving family, until he was suddenly drugged, kidnapped, and sold into slavery in the Deep South. This story is the true account of his 12 years as a slave. His extraordinary journey proves his resiliency despite the most grueling and disturbing of circumstances.

Solomon Northup was an African American carpenter who was born free in Minerva, Essex County, New York, but was bound into slavery later in life for a period of 12 years. He regained his freedom in January 1853.