28 | WELCOME TO HUNTSVILLE 2025
EMANCIPATION PARK
Celebrations of“ Juneteenth”— the anniversary of the June 19, 1865 emancipation of Texas slaves— were first held in homes and churches. Later, festivities took place outdoors. By 1915, the Huntsville Black community, led by former slave Jane Ward had moved the annual observance to this site, known as Emancipation Park. Dave Williams organized the band and park association to raise the down payment on the property.
In 1933, R. A. Josey, a local businessman, completed purchase of the land for use by the Black community. The 9.04 acre site became a city park in 1963.
— The park is located at 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
OAKWOOD CEMETERY
This cemetery existed as early as 1846.
In 1847, Pleasant Gray, Huntsville’ s founder, deeded a 1,600-square foot plot at this site. The original tract has been greatly enlarged by other donations from local citizens. Numerous graves bear the death date 1867, when a yellow-fever epidemic swept the county. Among the many famous persons buried here are General Sam Houston, Henderson King Yoakum, author of the first comprehensive history of Texas; state congressmen and pioneer families.
— The cemetery is located at the corner of Avenue I and 9th Street.
28 | WELCOME TO HUNTSVILLE 2025