Free admission for Fort Worth Botanical Garden visitors on June 19

Fort Worth - The Fort Worth Botanical Garden, spread across a picturesque 120 acres, has declared free entry on Monday, June 19th, honoring the profound historical impact of Juneteenth.

"The significance of Juneteenth spans our nation, but we are proud to celebrate this day in Fort Worth, home of the future National Juneteenth Museum and activist, Opal Lee," said FWBG CEO and President Patrick Newman."

The Garden, a thriving treasure trove of plant life, is divided into 23 separate specialty gardens. Each garden exudes its own botanical charm. The Japanese Garden, with its koi-laden ponds and stunning waterfalls, and the famous Rose Garden, featuring a terraced pathway weaving through vivid and fragrant flower displays, stand out as key attractions.

Juneteenth, also referred to as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, or Emancipation Day, marries the words 'June' and '19th'. This day solemnly commemorates the liberation of enslaved people in the United States, marking a significant event in the nation's history. Despite President Abraham Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it wasn't implemented in the South until the end of the Civil War in 1865.

Interestingly, Texas did not officially recognize the proclamation until two and a half years later. This delay was rectified when Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued General Order Number 3, informing Texans that the Civil War had ended two months prior and the Emancipation Proclamation was at last in effect.

Highlighting an important landmark, the 156th anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth was officially made a federal holiday in 2021, given the title Juneteenth National Independence Day.

For the second year in a row, R Bank will sponsor the annual Juneteenth event at the garden, underscoring its commitment to acknowledge and celebrate this pivotal moment in history.

Credit: NBC DFW, Fort Worth Botanical Garden, Dallas Metro News