Prince William County Buildings will be Closed Monday, June 20, in Observance of Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, two and a half years following the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, U.S. General Gordon Granger arrived at Galveston, Texas with news that the American Civil War was over and that all slaves were free.

Granger’s visit came two months after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox, Va. News of Lee’s surrender was unknown to slaves in Texas.

The first celebration of Granger’s visit to Texas, originally called “Jubilee Day” was held in Galveston on June 19, 1866. Today, Juneteenth, a mash up of “June” and “nineteenth” celebrates the end of slavery in the United States.

In the early days, people wore red, ate red velvet cake and drank red punch to symbolize the blood that was shed in the fight for freedom, and established a tradition that continues today.

Juneteenth, which stands as a celebration of freedom, is the longest observance of the end of slavery in the United States and serves as occasion to celebrate African American history, heritage and culture.

Juneteenth celebrations can include cookouts, public readings to reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth, rallies to support the day and block parties.

All Prince William County offices will be closed Monday, June 20, in observance of Juneteenth. All Prince William Public Libraries will be closed Saturday, June 18 through Monday, June 20. The Prince William County Landfill and the Balls Ford Road Compost Facility will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.