Galveston's pictorial legacy of Juneteenth

Galveston County Museum
16 minutes ago
4 min read

Unboxing History: Galveston’s Role in Emancipation and a Rare WWI Poster

On June 19, 1865—two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation—U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 from Galveston, Texas, proclaiming that all enslaved people in the state were free. That moment, rooted in Galveston’s soil, became the origin of what we now commemorate as Juneteenth.

A rare World War I-era poster, now part of the Galveston County Museum’s collection, pays tribute to the Emancipation Proclamation and is currently featured in the museum’s military history exhibit. This compelling artifact takes center stage in Episode 15 of Unboxing History, the museum’s podcast series that looks into the hidden stories behind its collection. The episode explores how the poster links the fight for freedom in the Civil War to the sacrifices made by African American soldiers in World War I.

Unveiling the Symbolism

This striking poster features prominent figures such as President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, along with evocative imagery that underscores the ongoing struggle for equality long after slavery’s abolition.

“The poster commemorates the Emancipation Proclamation and links the Civil War to World War I,” explains Galveston County Museum Executive Director Jodi Wright-Gidley.

In the poster, President Lincoln is shown holding the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence, with the iconic words: “All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Also depicted are Paul Dunbar, a celebrated Black poet; Lt. Col. Franklin A. Dennison, the first Black soldier to rise above the rank of colonel; and Lt. Col. Otis B. Duncan, who served alongside Dennison. Additional imagery includes Black soldiers serving in World War I, as well as scenes of schools, farmland, and community life—reflecting aspirations of progress and equity.

A powerful quote appears beneath a symbolic image of a Lady Liberty figure with a young Black boy and a young white boy under her arms: “Look forward: There is room enough under the eagle’s wings for great achievements by both.”

Posters as Instruments of Change

In her research, Wright-Gidley discovered that the poster was one of approximately 700 produced by the U.S. Committee on Public Information during World War I. The agency’s goal was to promote war bond sales, encourage food conservation, and boost support for American troops. At a time when race relations in America were shifting, such posters served not only as propaganda but also as a reflection of the nation’s internal struggle for equality.

For African Americans, service on the battlefield became a rallying point for demanding full recognition as citizens—a message clearly conveyed through this poster’s layered symbolism.

A Conversation with Historian Sam Collins III

Local historian Sam Collins III joins Wright-Gidley on the podcast to provide insight into Galveston’s place in African American history. During the episode, Collins quotes Maya Angelou: “History, despite its wrenching pain… it cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, may not be lived again.”

Collins was instrumental in the creation of the Absolute Equality mural, which stands at the southwest corner of 22nd and Strand—the site of Granger’s 1865 headquarters. The mural transforms the historic location into what Collins calls “an outdoor classroom.”

An Outdoor Classroom of Freedom

Created by Houston artist Reginald C. Adams and his team of artists, the Absolute Equality mural incorporates augmented reality features that allow visitors to interact with its visual storytelling. “It is our hope that we inspire them to want to learn more,” Collins shares.

The mural features President Lincoln, Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, Estevanico (considered the first African to traverse Texas), and the U.S. Colored Troops—whose presence on Juneteenth has often gone unrecognized.

An Invitation to Connect with Galveston’s Narrative

Together, the World War I poster and the Absolute Equality mural offer deeply educational and emotional windows into African American history. These artifacts of visual storytelling invite audiences to reflect on progress, sacrifice, and the power of remembrance.

As Collins urges, “Immerse yourself in the Juneteenth water and Juneteenth narrative.” By doing so, visitors gain a richer, more personal connection to history—one that goes far beyond the pages of textbooks.

Through frank discussions and thoughtful explorations of artifacts like the World War I poster, "Unboxing History" encourages listeners to draw connections between history's pervasive struggles and today's societal progress.

Visit and Connect with Galveston’s Past

If you're interested in exploring Galveston's history, we invite you to visit the Galveston County Museum. The museum is FREE on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can book a time to play the Padlock Mystery game or a private tour by contacting the museum or visiting their website.

The Unboxing History podcast brings to life the intriguing stories behind artifacts. Through the preservation and shared memories of these historical items, we gain a deeper understanding of our past and the daily lives of the people who shaped our communities. More about the museum at www.galvestoncountyhistory.org.

Remember to tune in to Unboxing History, available on your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and IHeart, or check out the video version on the Museum’s YouTube channel or Pod NOW on i45NOW.