Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, which informed the people of Texas that all enslaved people were now free. This day has come to be known as Juneteenth, a combination of June and 19th. It is is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a national holiday.

Articles

National Archives News: "National Archives Safeguards Original ‘Juneteenth’ General Order."

National Archives News: "Noted Historian Discusses Juneteenth’s Place in American History"

National Archives News: Conserving a Legacy of Freedom: Preparing General Order No. 3 for Public Display

Rediscovering Black History Blog: “Juneteenth: The Celebration of a New Freedom in America”

Video Presentations

Juneteenth: A Celebration (2022)

Annette Gordon-Reed discusses her book On Juneteenth (2021)