The History of Juneteenth Day
Juneteenth Day, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, is celebrated on June 19.
Written by John Beers, Operations Manager (Action Stainless – Riverside, MO)
The American Civil War started on April 12, 1861, at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. One of the main causes for the war was the role of slavery in American society. Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s troops were desperate for supplies and Union General Ulysses S. Grant knew this. On April 7, 1865, Grant sent Lee a letter requesting the Confederate General’s surrender. On April 9, 1865, Lee surrendered in Appomattox, Virginia.
In 1865, news traveled slowly, either by handwritten letters or word of mouth. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, informing the community that the war was over and slavery was no longer legal. This was the last place to receive the emancipation news and is considered the birthplace of Juneteenth Day.
As a reference to the date General Granger arrived in Galveston, the word Juneteenth was coined as a combination of the words “June” and “nineteenth.” Juneteenth Day is often referred to as America’s second Independence Day. The holiday is also known as Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day, and Emancipation Day. It is celebrated each year on June 19 in several ways, including church services, cookouts, parades, festivals, and music.
Here are a few resources to help you learn more or celebrate:
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Juneteenth: The complicated history, significance & celebration around the struggle for freedom
- PBS.com – Learn about and celebrate Juneteenth.
- History Channel – What is Juneteenth?
