On Jan. 1, 1863, Pres. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all enslaved people in Confederate states were free. Unfortunately, the proclamation had very little immediate effect in areas still under Confederate control. Texas was the most remote state and during the Civil War, many slaveholders relocated there. Now, the Union military was dispatched to ensure enforcement.
On June 19, 1865, Union Major Gen. Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas. It was there he read General Order #3, "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 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."
What took so long? There were some slave owners who deliberately withheld the information. There were no telegraph lines. And until the end of the war, there weren’t many Union troops in Texas.
This year, is the 161st anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States. This federal holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when those Union soldiers arrived in Texas, bringing news that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved people were now free, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth 2026 falls on a Friday. Since it’s a weekday, many celebrations will go throughout the weekend of June 19-21, 2026, giving families and communities multiple days to honor this historic occasion. Here’s a few on June 19th:
Keene – The Historical Society of Cheshire County presents “Patriots of Color in the Monadnock Region.” 6:30-7:30 at 246 Main St.
Juneteenth Celebration, 5:00 at Fuller Park, 312 Washington St. Hosted by the City of Keene and co-hosted by W.S. Badger and the Keene Family YMCA this free, family-friendly community event will feature live musical performances, good vibes, and family fun!
Featuring performances by Jazzlyn Mota, Samir Evans, and JohnLu Devo.
Nashua – Juneteenth Celebration Freedom Day 1865-2026, from 2-6:00. Downtown Riverwalk, 36 Marshall St. An afternoon full of music, culture, creativity, and connection. The event will feature live performances, art, food, and community engagement in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere!
Portsmouth -The Black Heritage Trail has plenty to see and do from June 19, 21, 27 and 28th. Click the above link to see what’s listed.
Happy Freedom Day, New Hampshire!




