Last Updated on August 11, 2021
Today in History–June 19–TPS-Barat features Juneteenth. On this date in 1865, Major General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas, informing the slaves of the Emancipation Proclamation, issued two and a half years earlier by President Abraham Lincoln. Although Juneteenth was informally celebrated each year since 1865, it wasn’t until June 3, 1979, that Texas became the first state to proclaim it an official state holiday. Today more than 40 officially recognize Juneteenth, which has become a day for African Americans to celebrate their freedom, culture, and achievements. Learn more by reviewing the resources linked to below.
Important Correspondence, Galveston (report of General Order No. 3) Dallas Herald (Dallas, Tex.), 08 July 1865
Oral history interview mentions of Juneteenth
Juneteenth historical newspaper coverage
Juneteenth National Independence Day Act
More U.S. legislation related to Juneteenth
The Juneteenth Book Festival Symposium on Black Literature & Literacy streaming webcast
Library of Congress blog posts
- The Birth of Juneteenth; Voices of the Enslaved June 19, 2020
- The Birth of Juneteenth Wasn’t Big News in 1865 June 18, 2021
- Celebrating Juneteenth June 19, 2015
- Juneteenth June 17, 2016
- Legislative History of Juneteenth June 23, 2021
- Ralph Ellison’s “Juneteenth” June 19, 2020
- Trending: Juneteenth June 19, 2013
More articles
- Honor Juneteenth by Teaching Juneteenth History’s Mysteries blog June 1, 2021
- Juneteenth Library of Congress Information Bulletin August, 1999
- Juneteenth Celebration Local Legacy
- Juneteenth: Our Other Independence Day Smithsonian.com June 15, 2011
Related resources
[…] with former slaves about celebrations and reactions to the news. Pictures of celebrations and documents related to the holiday from local historical societies are an excellent starting point for lessons […]