The story of Juneteenth begins in Texas when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865, with an announcement. As the community listened to the reading of General Orders, Number 3, the people of Galveston learned for the first time that the Civil War was over. After more than a century of slavery and years of war, it was official…all slaves were now freedmen! However, the process to get that moment on that day was anything but swift. Below is a brief timeline of each important day before and immediately after June 19, 1865, which is also referred to as the Emancipation Timeline.
January 1, 1863 – Emancipation Proclamation signed
April 9, 1865 – General Robert E. Lee surrenders to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia
April 14, 1865 – John Wilkes Booth assassinates President Abraham Lincoln and Lincoln dies on April 15, 1865
May 12, 1865 – Final battle of Civil War takes place at Palmito Ranch, Texas (Confederate victory)
May 26, 1865 – Civil War officially ends when General Simon Bolivar Buckner of the Army of Trans-Mississippi enters terms of surrender
June 19, 1865 – Major General Gordon Granger arrives in Galveston, Texas
December 6, 1865 – 13th Amendment abolishing slavery ratified
August 20, 1866 – President Andrew Johnson proclaims conflict officially resolved and peace restored
Essentially, the celebration of Juneteenth grew from the profound experiences that day when many learned of their freedom. From that freedom, it grew out of the surmounting challenges that lay ahead. And it continues to grow from the perseverance required and the dignity to overcome adversity and achieve fulfillment. Juneteenth Jubilees have been happening all over the country and world and today marks the 159th Anniversary! In the United States, all 50 states officially recognize the observance. In June 2021, the U.S. Congress passed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday, and President Joseph Biden signed the legislation into law on June 18, 2021, declaring Juneteenth National Independence Day.
If you are able to, plan to join the oldest celebration of the end of slavery by exploring art, food, and history. Dive into the festivals celebrating the African-American culture that are integral to Juneteenth. Across the country, communities, vendors, galleries, and more, host delicious food, art, music, dance, and parades. All the while, the history of Juneteenth remains central to the festivities, so click the below links to find an event near you.
Juneteenth Celebrations in the Triangle
Juneteenth Events in North Carolina
If possible, share your experiences, photos, and/or stories using #Juneteenth on social media.