Juneteenth

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On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston to inform enslaved African-Americans of their freedom and let them know the Civil War had ended. Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued more than two and a half years earlier on January 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln.

Granger’s announcement is, perhaps, the most significant
historical event ever to take place in Galveston.

A segment from the order issued by en. Gordon Granger. (National Archives/National Archives )

A segment from the order issued by en. Gordon Granger. (National Archives/National Archives )

The proclamation was read by Granger at three Galveston locations - at the Osterman Building on The Strand, where the Union Army set up its headquarters after the Civil War; at the Galveston County Courthouse, 722 21st Street; and at Ashton Villa, 2300 Broadway.

Historians tell us that, upon hearing the good news, the freed slaves in Galveston headed over to the “Colored Church” to celebrate. That historic structure is now the historic Reedy Chapel AME Church.

Juneteenth received its name by combining June and 19. The day is sometimes called Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day or Emancipation Day.

Juneteenth was originally celebrated by families coming together to pray. As part of some celebrations on this day, former slaves and their descendants, would make annual pilgrimages back to Galveston.

This nine-foot-tall statue, celebrating Juneteenth as a state holiday, was erected in 2006 on the grounds of Ashton Villa.

This nine-foot-tall statue, celebrating Juneteenth as a state holiday, was erected in 2006 on the grounds of Ashton Villa.

Over the years, Juneteenth has remained a major day of celebration in Galveston, with the city usually holding more than a dozen events, including barbecues, a beauty contest, musical performances and parades. Combined, the events usually attract more than 10,000 people. This year, because of the coronavirus epidemic, only a few special events are planned.

In 1979, Juneteenth became an official Texas holiday, thanks to the dedicated efforts of State Representative Albert (Al) Edwards of Houston. Since then, other states have followed in kind. Currently, efforts are underway in Congress to have Juneteenth declared a national holiday. Perhaps, by this time next year, it will be!