Juneteenth

Originating in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth is the oldest celebration of African American's freedom from slavery in the United States.

Although President Lincoln's Proclamation of Emancipation went into effect on January 1, 1863, the Union was not a strong enough force in Texas to enforce it.  On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston with his troops and was able to overcome the resistance.