PastPort to Freedom
Theme: Civil Rights | Legacy | Culture
Explore Galveston’s Juneteenth legacy and see how its meaning grows through generations of strength, culture, and progress.
Freedom declared. Legacy built. Culture celebrated. Juneteenth began in Galveston on June 19, 1865, when Union troops read General Order No. 3, proclaiming the end of slavery in Texas. What started here became a national holiday, and a symbol of resilience, justice, and joy.
This journey takes you to the churches, schools, markers, and murals that keep that story alive today.
🌎 = Free
🌎🌍 = Under $20
🌎🌍🌏 = $20+
Step 1: Pick Your Stops
Browse the locations. Each one shares a piece of Galveston Island’s story.
Step 2: Explore the Island
Visit your favorites. Go all in one day or spread them out.
Step 3: Snap + Tag
Take photos at two stops. For a bonus, post on social media and tag @galvestonisland.
Step 4: Claim Your Prize
Show your photos at the Visitor Center to pick up your prize.
Location: 22nd & Strand
Cost: 🌎
Theme: Freedom Declared
Why It Matters: Marks the site where General Order No. 3 was issued, ending slavery in Texas.
What You’ll See: A 5,000-square-foot mural and historical marker.
Getting There: Downtown Galveston, walkable and near parking.
Take It In: Stand before the mural and reflect on the words “absolute equality.”
Photo Tip: Capture the full wall for scale—or close-ups of key mural details.
Nearby: Galveston Arts Center, Gracie's Gift Shop, Murphy's Irish Pub
Location: Strand Historic District
Cost: 🌎
Theme: Commemoration
Why It Matters: Retraces the path of the Union soldiers who spread the news of freedom.
What You’ll See: Historical markers along a walkable route.
Getting There: Start near the Customs House.
Take It In: Imagine hearing life-changing words as you walk the same ground.
Photo Tip: Snap your shoes on the trail with markers in view.
Nearby: St. John Antiques, Saltwater Grill, The Grand 1894 Opera House
Location: 2217 Strand
Cost: 🌍🌏
Theme: Heritage & Empowerment
Why It Matters: Juneteenth Legacy Project HQ, where history, art, and education converge.
What You’ll See: Exhibits, art installations, and youth-focused cultural programming.
Getting There: Downtown, near the mural.
Take It In: Notice how past and present stories connect inside this space.
Photo Tip: Capture the bold gallery art as a backdrop.
Nearby: Riondo's Ristorante, Axecade, La Kings Confectionary
Location: Bryan Museum
Cost: 🌎🌍🌏 (museum admission)
Theme: Legacy Preserved
Why It Matters: Uses artifacts, photos, and documents to tell Galveston’s Juneteenth story.
What You’ll See: Archival material and powerful storytelling.
Getting There: 1315 21st Street, parking on site.
Take It In: Pause at original documents for a direct link to 1865.
Photo Tip: Museum interior shots pair well with historic artifacts.
Nearby: Galveston Bagel Company, Handcrafted Island Treasures, Sonny's Place
Location: 2015 Broadway
Cost: 🌎
Theme: Faith & Community
Why It Matters: Founded by freed people, it was central to early Juneteenth celebrations.
What You’ll See: Historic sanctuary and Texas’s oldest A.M.E. congregation.
Getting There: Just off Broadway, limited street parking.
Take It In: Imagine the first post-emancipation worship services here.
Photo Tip: Exterior facade with stained-glass windows.
Nearby: ShyKatZ Deli & Bakery, Longboard Pool Bar, Island Bicycle Company
Location: 2627 Avenue M
Cost: 🌎
Theme: Education
Why It Matters: First African American high school in Texas, preserving stories of excellence.
What You’ll See: Exhibits, cultural programs, and preserved school space.
Getting There: Residential neighborhood, street parking available.
Take It In: Consider the generations of students shaped here.
Photo Tip: Building exterior framed with its historical marker.
Nearby: 1880 Garten Verein, Fish Tales, Ohana Surf & Skate
Location: 2601 Avenue M
Cost: 🌎
Theme: Breaking Barriers
Why It Matters: Honors the first Black heavyweight champion, born in Galveston.
What You’ll See: Park, statue, and historical marker.
Getting There: Next to Old Central.
Take It In: Reflect on Johnson’s legacy as a fighter inside and outside the ring.
Photo Tip: Statue silhouette against the sky.
Nearby: Blvd. Seafood, The Poop Deck, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Location: Seawall Boulevard
Cost: 🌎
Theme: Access & Progress
Why It Matters: Recognizes men who safeguarded Galveston beaches during segregation.
What You’ll See: Historical marker with ocean views.
Getting There: Along Seawall near 28th Street.
Take It In: Look out at the same waters these men once patrolled.
Photo Tip: Marker with waves rolling behind it.
Nearby: Murdoch's, The Spot, Island Time Beach Bar & Grill
Location: 1918 Postoffice Street
Cost: 🌏
Theme: National Change
Why It Matters: Federal courts here once decided cases tied to slavery and emancipation.
What You’ll See: Historic Greek Revival building.
Getting There: Downtown, walkable.
Take It In: Consider how law, commerce, and freedom intersected inside these walls.
Photo Tip: Capture its stone columns rising above the street.
Nearby: Shucks Tavern & Oyster Bar, Luna Home & Gifts, Mod Coffeehouse
Take one of our other journeys to discover more about the history of Galveston Island.
