Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is an American holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas, and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans throughout the former Confederacy of the southern United States. Celebrated on June 19, the word is a portmanteau of "June" and "nineteenth". Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or special day of observance in forty-five states. Below is a photo gallery that includes pictures from the previous years celebration and a picture from the Juneteenth Celebration in Austin Tx on June 19, 1900.