Juneteenth
History of the Juneteenth Holiday: 1862 September 22 - Republican President Abraham Lincoln gives the Emancipation Proclamation Address in Gettysburg, PA. 1863 January 1 - 3.5 million slaves held in the "Rebellion" Confederate States are now legally free, but since the Civil War is still ongoing, they are not recognized as free in the Confederate States. 1865 January 31- The 13th Amendment is signed by President Lincoln. This change ensures all 4 million slaves are free, inc