Original Juneteenth Emancipation Order Displayed Dallas

Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, declaring the freedom of enslaved people in the state, marking the effective end of slavery in the last Confederate holdout. The only known original copy of this historic order, signed by General Granger, is on display at Fair Park's Hall of State in Dallas as part of an interactive exhibit, highlighting its significance in American history as a symbol of the end of slavery and the promise of equality. This original document was preserved by George Bannerman Dealey, a Galveston newspaperman who moved to Dallas and founded the Dallas Morning News, and was donated to the Dallas Historical Society in the 1960s. Juneteenth celebrations, now a federal holiday, serve as a time to reflect on Black history, culture, and the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality, with events including family-friendly activities, panel discussions on civil rights, and presentations emphasizing that Juneteenth is an inclusive American holiday. Local leaders and historians stress the holiday's message of hope, resilience, and the continuing fight against various forms of modern-day oppression. Dallas, with its connection to this pivotal moment in history, plays a key role in honoring and educating the public about Juneteenth's enduring legacy.