After the Civil War ended in April 1865, most enslaved people in Texas still didn’t know about President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, issued in 1862, which declared all slaves in rebellious states free as of January 1, 1863. This changed on June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston. From his headquarters, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3, announcing that all slaves in Texas were free and that there would be “absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves.”
This year marks 160 years since Juneteenth—the day over 250,000 enslaved Black Texans learned of their freedom. Recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has been celebrated for generations.
To honor this milestone, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) is hosting special events at historic sites across the state. Check out the complete schedule below:
 Denison Main Street, recent recipient of the Great American Main Street Award
Ready to hit the road this summer? Make your getaway a journey through Texas history! Start by crafting your perfect historic road trip with the THC’s curated itineraries. From the Coastal Bend to the Quanah Parker Trail, there are unforgettable stories waiting to be discovered at every turn.
Looking to add even more stops to your Texas adventure? TexasTimeTravel.com is your ultimate resource for uncovering unique destinations, historic sites, and hidden gems throughout the state. Whether you’re interested in charming historic downtowns—like Denison, recently honored with the Great American Main Street Award—or longtime local eateries, you’ll find exactly what you’re craving.
And for real-time discovery while you travel, download the Texas History Navigator App. Read every historical marker, visit all the landmarks, and listen to fascinating stories right along your route.
This summer, let Texas history lead the way to your next adventure!
The THC’s Heritage Tourism program is proud to announce the six communities selected to host the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street traveling exhibition for the second time! This iteration features a brand new theme: “Spark! Places of Innovation.”
These communities are embarking on an exciting journey of training and preparation to welcome one of the world’s largest and most dynamic museum experiences right to their own small towns.
Catch the Spark! exhibit in one of the following communities in 2026-27:
- Atlanta (City of Atlanta Tourism Department) in the Texas Forest Trail Region
- Kerrville (Kerr Arts & Cultural Center) in the Texas Hill Country Trail Region
- Alpine (Museum of the Big Bend) in the Texas Mountain Trail Region
- Taylor (Taylor Main Street) in the Texas Brazos Trail Region
- Snyder (Snyder Chamber of Commerce) in the Texas Plains Trail Region
- Brackettville (Kinney County Post) in the Texas Pecos Trail Region
Your Last Chance to Explore "Crossroads"
As we prepare to launch “Spark!,” our inaugural exhibit, “Crossroads: Changes in Rural America” is approaching its final days. West Texans still have the opportunity to explore this compelling exhibition and local histories in San Elizario until June 15. Afterward, “Crossroads” will make its final journey down I-10 to the Cowboy Capital of the World, Bandera. Don’t miss your last chance to experience “Crossroads” from June 21 through July 26!
Preserving our shared history starts with passionate people who go above and beyond to keep Texas’ heritage alive. Now’s your chance to shine a spotlight on their passion and dedication.
The THC is calling on communities across the state to nominate outstanding individuals and groups for our annual awards. The Preservation Awards recognize accomplishments and exemplary leadership in the fields of archeology, historic architecture, museums, community heritage, and more. Nominations are open through August 15:
Download the Texas History Navigator App
Looking for Texas historical markers near you? The new Texas History Navigator app makes it easy to find and explore 18,000+ historical sites and markers right where you are!
Open the app and instantly see nearby landmarks, read or listen to their stories, and get turn-by-turn directions to each spot.
Download Texas History Navigator on iOS or Android now!
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