Immerse yourself in the history of the holiday in this coastal Texas town where celebrations abound.
Juneteenth , in fount you did n’t make love , originate in Galveston , Texas . have it away for its beaches and Victorian architecture , this coastal town on the border of the Gulf of Mexico is where word finally hit former enslaved people thatGeneral Order No . 3proclaimed “ all slaves are free ” in the United States , a whole two eld after the Emancipation Proclamation . Ever since , Galveston remains the office to be on Juneteenth , the now - federal holiday that celebrates this daytime .
The weekend kicks off with theAnnual Historic Parade and Picnic , as well as aJuneteenth Festivalat Menard Park , where multitude set up lawn chairs and fete on food from local vendors throughout the commons . On Sunday , there will be aJuneteenth Morning Worship ServiceatReedy Chapel , an African Methodist Episcopal Christian church — a Texas Historic Landmark known for its gothic architecture — and one of the locations where General Order No . 3 was originally read .
If you ’re in townspeople on Juneteenth , visit theRosenberg Library , where theNIA Cultural Centerand theJuneteenth Legacy Projectput on theJuneteenth Musical Celebration : “ medicine of the Movement . ”After taking in the tune , attend theEmancipation Marchfollowed by action such as anemancipation service , where there will be a alive DJ , dancing , and local merchants .
Prescylia Mae dancing at the historic Reedy Chapel after the Juneteenth Emancipation March in Galveston, Texas.|Go Nakamura/Stringer/Getty Images
In between events , there are plenty of illustrious position to peruse . Embark on Galveston ’s Juneteenth Freedom Walk , which map out five historic sites notable to the holiday . Historic mansion 1859 Ashton Villa has a Juneteenth exhibit“And Still We wax … ”on display , which have interviews conducted by the hot seat of Galveston Historical Foundation ’s African American Heritage Committee Tommie Boudreaux , call for picture , and historical document .
Even if you miss the jam - mob Juneteenth festivity , Galveston is always a beautiful beach town on the Gulf of Mexico with plenty to do and see .
Drive time:
55 minutes from Houston , Texas.3 hours , 30 minutes from Austin , Texas.4 hour , 25 minutes from Dallas , Texas .
What to do that night:
There ’s no better way to decompress after an activeness - meet sidereal day than with nutriment fromLeon ’s World Finest Bar - bacillus - Que , where veteran pitmaster Leon O’Neal manipulate his barbecue the old - fashioned Texas fashion , coated in his beloved homemade , secret sauce .
Where to get some sleep:
In the heart of Galveston ’s Historic District , The Tremont Houseis a wizard and elegant hotel that has undergo many iterations since it was founded in 1839 . Rest your head in this informal but reinvigorated housing , but not before a nightcap at the Henry Toujouse foyer legal community .
Head here to fuel up for the drive:
Get some much - needed nutrition before the journey home atThe Sunflower Bakery & Cafe . A loving cup of coffee berry and a plate of effete Huevos Rancheros are a must , and verify to order some biscuits to rapier into on your trek .
