2022 Festival of Freedom: “Freedom Day”

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing enslaved people in the rebelling Southern states. More than two years later, on May 10, 1865, Union General Edward McCook arrived in Tallahassee to take possession of the city from Southern forces. General McCook established his headquarters at the Hagner House, now known as the Knott House. On May 20, he raised the US flag over the state capitol and declared the Emancipation Proclamation in effect. Former slaves celebrated this announcement with a picnic at Bull Pond, today\’s Lake Ella. Annually since 1865, communities in Tallahassee have celebrated May 20th as Emancipation Day, and today, activities still are held throughout the city and in various other parts of the State.