In New York Friday, legislation commemorating the end of slavery in the United States was signed into law. June 19 will now be known as “Juneteenth Freedom Day” in New York state under the law signed by Governor George Pataki. Juneteenth is already recognized as a holiday or commemorative day in 14 states and the District of Columbia.
While President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, it was not until June 19, 1865, that General George Granger told the people of Texas that all slaves were free.