SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 962
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the Limestone County 19th of June Organization on the
occasion of the 150th anniversary of the reading of the
Emancipation Proclamation and its celebration at Comanche
Crossing; and
WHEREAS, On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger
read the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, the event that
marked the end of slavery in Texas and throughout the South; and
WHEREAS, The Emancipation Proclamation was also read on
the Stroud Plantation in Limestone County, and the planation's
large population of newly freed slaves gathered at Comanche
Crossing, on the banks of the Navasota River, to celebrate; the
ensuing festivities became one of the first recognized
Juneteenth celebrations in the nation's history; and
WHEREAS, The Stroud family later gave the land at Comanche
Crossing to the freed slaves, and Juneteenth has since been
celebrated each year at the site, known today as Booker
T. Washington Park and situated on Lake Mexia; and
WHEREAS, For over 100 years, the Limestone County 19th of
June Organization has worked to preserve the landmark site and to
plan the annual Juneteenth celebration, and this year marks a
truly special anniversary of this historic day in Texas history;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby commend the members of the Limestone County
19th of June Organization for their exemplary efforts to honor
Juneteenth in Texas and extend to them best wishes for a memorable
150th anniversary Juneteenth celebration; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the organization as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
Schwertner
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 22, 2015.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate