06/16/2026
As the birthplace of Juneteenth, Galveston holds a special place in American history. In his latest Galveston Daily News column, Park Board CEO Marty Miles reflects on the significance of Juneteenth, the importance of preserving this story, and how our community continues to honor the legacy of freedom and equality.
Read the full column below 👀📰⬇
Every June, Galveston Island welcomes visitors from across Texas, the nation and increasingly around the world to commemorate Juneteenth. As the birthplace of this national holiday, our island occupies a unique place in American history, and each year we are reminded of the responsibility we share to preserve, honor and tell this story.
On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued General Orders No. 3, informing more than 250,000 enslaved Texans that they were free. The orders’ promise of "absolute equality of personal rights" became the foundation for what we now celebrate as Juneteenth. Galveston's connection to that moment is not simply historical—it remains a living part of our community's
identity.
Today, visitors can experience that history in powerful and meaningful ways. They can stand before the Absolute Equality mural in downtown Galveston, one of the island's most recognized landmarks and a symbol of freedom that has inspired similar projects across the country. They can visit Ashton Villa, where the annual reading of General Orders No. 3 continues to be one of Galveston's most important traditions. They can tour Reedy Chapel A.M.E. Church, one of the sites where the emancipation order was announced and a sacred place in the story of Juneteenth.
This year's celebrations once again offer residents and visitors numerous opportunities to engage with that history. Events include the Juneteenth Kickoff at Nia Cultural Center, educational exhibits at the Galveston Railroad Museum, the Galveston Island Juneteenth Festival and Celebration, guided heritage tours, community gatherings, cultural performances and commemorative programs throughout the month.
They create meaningful conversations about freedom, equality and the work that remains to build stronger communities. They also demonstrate the power of
heritage tourism. Visitors who come to Galveston for Juneteenth support local
hotels, restaurants, attractions and small businesses while gaining a
deeper understanding of our shared history.
The Park Board of Trustees is proud to work alongside our many community partners, cultural organizations, historians, educators and volunteers who help bring Juneteenth to life each year. Their dedication ensures that visitors leave with a richer appreciation of Galveston's role in the American story and for the enduring significance of freedom.
As we welcome guests to the island this June, I encourage everyone to take part in the commemorations. We are proud to be the place where freedom's message finally arrived, and we are committed to ensuring that its story continues to educate, inspire and unite future generations.
