Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It marks the date in 1865 when Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

History and Significance

  • General Order No. 3: On June 19, 1865, Granger read General Order No. 3 to the people of Texas, which stated: "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free."
  • The Delay: Though President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863, it had little impact on Texas due to the low presence of Union troops to enforce it. The arrival of troops in 1865 finally enforced the proclamation for the roughly 250,000 enslaved people in the state.
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Note: Rainbow Center will be closed in observation of Juneenth.