Chick Fil-A Sponsored Historic Bus Tour in Statesville

Many people have only learned about Juneteenth in recent years. Unfortunately, many more are not aware of the significance of this day or what it means to our entire society. On June 19, 1865, Major Gen. Gordon Granger came to Galveston, Texas, to inform the community that President Abraham Lincoln two years earlier had freed slaves. Today, Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated on June 19 that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

​ While this was a monumental event, the proclamation made didn't reach Texas until two years after it was made. This proclamation affected the slave and the slave master. This involved an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.” —General Orders, Number 3; Headquarters District of Texas, Galveston, June 19, 1865