On the 19th of June 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and made a declaration of freedom ending the bondage of approximately 250,000 enslaved men, women and children in Texas. Since that time, Juneteenth has been celebrated and remembered by picnics, parades, family reunions, pageants, barbecues and games. Washington on the Brazos will observe this important occasion and celebrate the rich African American heritage and culture of the Brazos Valley, past and present. Now in its second year, the Juneteenth Heritage program will include exhibits, art displays, guest speakers, living history, music and more.