What is important about Washington in 12 Years a Slave?

Washington, D.C. is where Solomon is initially pressed into slavery against his will. It is the location of William’s Slave Pen, where Solomon is kept by Burch. Washington, D.C., is located in a Southern, slave holding state. This is ironic since it is the capital of the United States of America. Solomon is taken out of Washington under cover of night and sold in the South. When Henry Northup travels to free Solomon, he travels to Washington to gain the support of elected and judicial officials to effect Solomon’s release. Washington also hosts a trial against Burch, though Burch is let off on crude evidence.