June 19, 1865---Juneteenth

JUNE 19, 1865:         

The Emancipation Proclamation is published for the first time in Texas. “Juneteenth” becomes an annual festival marking Emancipation, first in Texas and later nationally:

General Orders Number Three

The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer.

Texas’ isolation on the western fringe of the Confederacy had allowed Texan whites to suppress all news of the Emancipation Proclamation, of United States Colored Troops, and of other Civil Rights advances. Even many whites were unaware of developments. It was not until this day that Union officials felt reasonably secure enough to announce Emancipation. The 1,800 troops requested by Philip Sheridan allowed the Union to deal with pro-slavery resisters.

 

Juneteenth is celebrated with music, dancing and feasting. One of the most honored of traditions is dressing in one’s “Sunday Best,” as slaves were generally forbidden to wear high-quality clothing.