The Caucus Blog of the Illinois House Republicans

While the Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, the edict would not officially reach Texas until June 19, 1865 - two and half years later. Juneteenth is the annual commemoration of that momentous day when slaves in Texas were declared free by the US Army. Texas was the 

last bastions of slavery during the final days of the Civil War.