On June 19, 1865, U.S. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to tell the people of Texas that all slaves were free, according to the website History.com.
“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free,” Granger said, reading from General Orders Number 3.
This news came two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863, which announced the freedom of the enslaved population in Confederate states.
Being on the outskirts of the Confederacy and having a lack of Union soldiers allowed slavery to continue in Texas until Granger arrived with his troops to enforce the law.
What to know:Juneteenth and 2021 celebrations: What to know about the holiday
Newly freed Black people held a celebration in response to their freedom, and that celebration continues every year as Juneteenth.
Today, 48 states and Washington, D.C., recognize Juneteenth as either a state holiday or ceremonial holiday, according to an article in USA Today.
On Saturday, several events will mark the day in Greenville, Spartanburg, Clemson, Seneca and Anderson.
Juneteenth at Carolina Wren Park
In Anderson, the Anderson Area Remembrance and Reconciliation Initiative will be hosting a Juneteenth event at Carolina Wren Park at 6 p.m. Saturday.
The event will feature Interpretive dancers, poetry and dramatic readings, as well as food from the Lettuce…
