MEXIA, Texas — In the heart of Central Texas lies a place where history resonates deeply with the spirit of freedom. While Galveston holds fame for being where the last slaves in America learned of their emancipation, it is the lesser-known Limestone County that claims a pivotal role in the origins of Juneteenth—the historic holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States.
"It's not often that you can trace the history of something back to its origins," remarked Central Texas Historian Dan Keeling, underscoring the rarity and significance of Limestone County's role in Juneteenth's heritage.
"Mexia is one of the most documented places in America," Keeling said especially when it comes to Juneteenth. "We are the longest contiguous running Juneteenth Celebration in the world."
June 19, 1865, slaves in limestone county found out about their freedom. "10 O'clock in the morning. the slaves in Limestone county were free at 10 O'clock in the morning. I love the fact the that we know what time they were free," Keeling explained.
Thanks to documented firsthand accounts. Once the slaves were free. They bought land at Booker T. Washington parker at Comanche Crossing and celebrated each year since at the park.
"This is something that ex slaves started, intelligent ex slaves started," said Madeline Kirven-Gamble, vice president of the Limestone County 19th of June Organization, the organization continues the days long celebrations.
"We celebrate three days. Here in Mexia, we always celebrate the 17th, 18th and 19th."
Because the celebration span three days—Limestone County gave it a nickname.
"This is where the term Juneteenth was coined. Here in Comanche Crossing, outside of Mexia," Keeling stated. He says that Juneteenth was originally a combination of those dates.
"I think the importance is that we have to remember the beginnings of Juneteenth and where we actually started it and who kept it alive. It kept the movement alive," said Keeling. "It's what kept Juneteenth alive. It's the heartbeat of Juneteenth. You cannot have a history of Juneteenth without talking about Mexia."
Each year, the Limestone County 19th of June organization remembers Anthony Freeman, Carl Baker and Steven Booker known as the Comanche 3. Who many believe drowned while handcuffed to a law enforcement boat on June 19--19-81.