In the state of Texas, Emancipation Day is celebrated as Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the state.

Table of Contents

1. When is Emancipation Day?
2. The History of Emancipation Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. Who is General Gordon Granger?

When is Emancipation Day?

Emancipation Day marks the day on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce and enforce the end of slavery, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. In the state of Texas, Emancipation Day is observed on June 19 each year.

The following is the list of Emancipation Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Emancipation Day?

On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all enslaved people in Confederate states to be free. However, its enforcement depended on the advance of Union troops, and in remote areas like Texas, slavery continued due to the lack of a significant Union presence.

During the Civil War, Texas became a refuge for enslavers, who moved their enslaved laborers westward to avoid Union forces. By 1865, an estimated 250,000 enslaved people were still held in bondage in Texas.

On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with 2,000 troops to take control of the state and enforce emancipation. This announcement marked the formal end of slavery in Texas.

The first Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas in 1866, just one year after the announcement of emancipation. Newly freed African Americans pooled resources to purchase land specifically for Juneteenth celebrations, such as Emancipation Park in Houston in 1872. Juneteenth became a deeply rooted tradition in African American communities, particularly in Texas, but also spread to other parts of the country as people migrated.

In 1979, Texas became the first state to recognize Juneteenth as an official state holiday, largely due to the efforts of State Representative Al Edwards, often referred to as the "Father of the Juneteenth Holiday." The first official observance in Texas took place on June 19, 1980.

Juneteenth gained national recognition when it became a federal holiday in 2021, known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Emancipation Day in Texas, people engage in a variety of activities that honor the history of emancipation, celebrate freedom, and reflect on African American culture and resilience.

Discussions, lectures, and storytelling sessions educate participants about the history of slavery, emancipation, and the Texas-specific significance of Juneteenth. Museums and historical sites host special exhibits and guided tours.

Many cities in Texas host Juneteenth parades featuring floats, marching bands, dancers, and performers celebrating African American heritage. Community festivals include live music, cultural performances, and local vendors offering food, art, and crafts. Traditional African and African American dances showcase cultural heritage and creativity.

Families and friends gather to enjoy meals, often including barbecue, fried chicken, and cornbread. Basketball tournaments, baseball games, and rodeos are popular at Juneteenth events. Many people enjoy outdoor games, hiking, and kayaking in parks and recreational areas.

Who is General Gordon Granger?

Gordon Granger was a Union general during the American Civil War, best known for his role in the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas, which led to the celebration of Juneteenth. His military career spanned decades, and his actions during the Civil War and Reconstruction left a lasting impact.

He was born on November 6, 1821, in Joy, New York, and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1845. He served in the Mexican-American War (1846–1848), gaining valuable combat experience, and then participated in campaigns against Native American tribes and in various garrison duties across the United States.

Granger quickly rose through the ranks during the Civil War, earning recognition for his leadership and strategic mind and played key roles in several major battles such as the Battle of Chickamauga (1863) and the Battle of Mobile Bay (1864).

After the Confederacy's surrender in April 1865, Granger was assigned to command the District of Texas to restore federal authority and enforce emancipation. On June 19, 1865, Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with 2,000 Union troops, and issued General Order No. 3, which effectively ended slavery in Texas, freeing approximately 250,000 enslaved people.

Granger continued to serve in the U.S. Army during the Reconstruction period, focusing on rebuilding Southern states and enforcing civil rights. Gordon Granger died on January 10, 1876, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at the age of 54.