FAQ About Madame Delphine LaLaurie
Were any slaves able to escape from Madame LaLaurie's mansion?
There is no historical evidence to suggest that any enslaved individuals managed to escape from Madame Delphine LaLaurie's mansion. The accounts and testimonies that have survived primarily focus on the discovery of the abuses and the rescue of the enslaved people from the property.
When the fire broke out at the mansion in 1834, it was initially believed to have been accidental. However, upon entering the premises, authorities and firefighters discovered the shocking conditions in which the enslaved people were held. This led to public outrage and the subsequent investigation of Madame LaLaurie's crimes.
It is important to note that the enslaved individuals found in the mansion were not able to free themselves but were rescued by others. The details of their rescue and subsequent fate vary in historical accounts, and some were likely sold to new owners or placed under the care of relatives or guardians.
While there are stories of slaves successfully escaping from other locations during the time of slavery, there is no documented evidence to indicate that any individuals escaped specifically from Madame LaLaurie's mansion.
