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The new year is celebrated in January, but June 19 is a day of new beginnings, too.
On June 19, 1865, slaves in Galveston, Texas, learned they were freed. More than 100 years later, the holiday known as Juneteenth has become a national observance of emancipation.
Juneteenth is celebrated in 45 states, including Ohio, and billed as the .
But that honor actually belongs to the tiny town of in southern Ohio. Residents have marked the Emancipation Proclamation since Sept. 22, 1863, a year after it was signed.
In fact, Gallipolis continues a practice that was once widespread across the country.
Celebration dates have varied. September was a more prevalent choice in the Midwest, while Southern states marked the date on Jan. 1. Chalk up the differences to the history of the document itself.
President Abraham Lincoln signed a preliminary draft of the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862, but that order was only effective if rebelling states surrendered. When they didn鈥檛, a final draft was signed on Jan. 1, 1863.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Emancipation Day was a huge event, marked with parades, pageants and politicians. drew 2,000 people, including Gov. George Nash.
began with a parade and ended with a grand ball. Organizers noted the commemoration occurred while the nation was at war.
鈥淥n account of the great patriotic atmosphere, a greater interest than usual attaches to the observance of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation,鈥� the Dayton Forum reported. Organizers urged attendees to come out and march to honor African-American soldiers serving in World War I.
Cleveland鈥檚 celebration in 1920 was held in September at Luna Park, the city鈥檚 鈥� .鈥� But there was no escaping prejudice and segregation. The park's swimming pool was drained so the attendees couldn't use it.
Wherever the event, organizers understood some folks were coming for a good time. A speaker at the 1881 celebration in Preble County planned to stump for the Republican Party 鈥� the party of Lincoln. But the organizers had a plan B. A poster promoting the event urged visitors to come out whether they cared for politics or not. " ,鈥� it said.