Today in History: Juneteenth

General-Order-No.-3

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

Images 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

Timeless: Stories from the Library blog posts

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