Battery Park Holds Juneteenth Commemoration, 6/19

This year marks the 145th anniversary of the General Order #3. New York is among the states that recognizes Juneteenth as a holiday. Nicola and Rufus James will lead a presentation of poetry, music and dialogue, commemorating the official end of slavery in America, at Castle Clinton National Monument, located in Battery Park, on June 19 at 1p.m. To many, the word Juneteenth signifies freedom, and a time of joyful celebration; others aren't familiar with the term. Also referred to as Freedom or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is a combination of "June" and "19th" and is the day that celebrates the abolition of slavery in the state of Texas. Today in 31 states, Juneteenth is a recognized holiday. To make a reservation or to learn more about the performances, contact National Park Service Ranger Jimmy Cleckley at (212) 344-7220 or (917) 686-3764.

Juneteenth, (June 19, 1865), refers to the news of the Emancipation that General Gordon Granger took to Texas along with a force of Union soldiers 2-1/2 years after Lincoln declared American slaves free on Sept. 22, 1862. Though the Emancipation had legally granted Texas slaves their freedom, many were not freed until June 19, 1865 when Gen. Granger and his army declared an official end to the Civil War by proclaiming 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 rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer."

Castle Clinton, located at the southern tip of Manhattan in Battery Park, is open daily (except December 25), 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, severe weather can close the site. Please call ahead if the weather is questionable. There are numerous ways to get to Castle Clinton using public transportation. Please visit www.mta.info for more information and maps, or call 212-344-7220 or visit www.nps.gov/cacl for more information.