Marker Inscription
Celebrations of "Juneteenth"--the anniversary of the June 19, 1865 emancipation of Texas slaves--were first held in homes and churches. Later, festivities took place outdoors. By 1915, Huntsville blacks, led by former slave Jane Ward (d. 1933), had moved the annual observance to this site, known as Emancipation Park. Dave Williams, another former slave, organized the Band and Park Association to raise the down payment on the property. In 1933, R. A. Josey, a white businessman, completed purchase of the land for use by the black community. The 9.04 acre site became a city park in 1963.
About this site
Emancipation Park is a historical marker in Huntsville, Walker County. It is one of 69 historical markers documented in Walker County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 110 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 30.7325, -95.5430 near Huntsville. The nearest cataloged historic site is Parker, Jesse (historical marker), about 0.3 miles away. Others within a short drive include Ball, Thomas H., Besser, John Slater, General, and Oakwood Cemetery.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5471008446. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
