Juneteenth in Austin, Texas

1900

African American Texans were the first to celebrate Juneteenth.

On June 19, 1865, Gen. Gordon Granger led US Army troops into Galveston, Texas. He then issued General Order No. 3, enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of slavery in Texas. Soon, formerly enslaved Texans began emancipation celebrations, known today as “Juneteenth.”

This band was photographed at a Juneteenth celebration in Austin, Texas. The celebration was held at Wheeler's Grove Park, now known as Eastwoods Park.