Juneteenth Marker to Be Unveiled

Posted in Memory by Andy Hall on May 12, 2014

Next month, the Texas Historical Commission will unveil a state historical marker commemorating Juneteenth. It’s been a long time coming:

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The Texas Historical Commission has recognized the events that occurred in Galveston on June 19, 1865, as a significant part of Texas history by awarding Juneteenth an official marker. The designation honors Juneteenth as an important and educational part of state history.

A dedication ceremony to commemorate the event will be at 10 a.m. June 21 in downtown Galveston, at 22nd Street and The Strand. Speakers for the morning will include elected officials from across the state.

“The Official Texas Historical Marker program helps bring attention to community treasures and the importance of their preservation,” said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the Texas Historical Commission. “Awareness and education are among the best ways to guarantee the preservation of our state’s history. This designation is a tool that will increase public awareness of important cultural resources.”

Hank Thierry, chair of Galveston Historic Foundation’s African American Heritage Committee, said: “The establishment of a Juneteenth marker in downtown Galveston will allow all visitors to our historic downtown to appreciate the significance of what happened on June 19, 1865. Our committee believes the marker placement in downtown Galveston gives the most accurate, documented, historically significant venue to honor Juneteenth. The world will now know the exact location where General Granger issued General Orders No. 3.”

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Thierry‘s point about placing the marker at the “most accurate, documented, historically significant venue” is well made. the location at 22nd Street and Strand is the former site of the Ostermann Building, which served as Granger’s headquarters. Backgrounder on the competing traditions on Juneteenth in Galveston here.

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GeneralStarsGray

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Sam Collins said, on May 12, 2014 at 10:03 am

Thanks Andy for sharing this information. I am looking forward to the marker program. As you stated “It’s been a long time coming.”

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Foxessa said, on May 13, 2014 at 1:49 pm

Woo — a victory! 🙂

Thanks for the news.

Love, c.

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