FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Juneteenth, celebrated in June across Arkansas and the nation, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Originating in Texas in 1865 when the Union army enforced emancipation at one of the last outposts of formal chattel slavery, Juneteenth celebrations have since took on many different forms across the U.
S. Arkansas is no stranger to Juneteenth, either. From Wilmar to Springdale, celebrations can be found all throughout the state in the week leading up to June 19.
This is a brief history of this newly minted-federal holiday’s presence in Arkansas. During the Civil War, many enslaved Arkansans were taken to Texas to keep them away from the U.S.
Army. As a result, many experienced Juneteenth firsthand. After the war, freed people in Arkansas likely celebrated Juneteenth well before it was officially recorded, according to .
Celebrations included baseball games, boxing matches, speeches, singing, dances and horse races, or simply enjoying the newfound leisure time. The lumber town of Stamps, Maya Angelou’s childhood home, became known for its large, festive Juneteenth gatherings, according to Jones. By the early 20th century, Arkansans celebrated the end of slavery three times a year: January 1, June 19, and the first week of August.
Railroad companies offered special excursion rates for those traveling to these celebrations, which were often hosted by multiple groups on the same day. In many areas of Arkansas, Juneteenth cele.