DES MOINES, Iowa — June 19th, 1865 was the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, two years after the emancipation proclamation was issued. And in 2021, it became a federal holiday.
If you’d like to learn more about some Iowa people that were involved in this movement, the Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines has a free self-guided tour with QR codes next to gravestones that takes you to a video link to learn more about that person. There are over 100 total in this video project, but about 15 stories were freedom seekers or underground railroad conductors.
Some include Alexander Armstrong who was a freedom seeker. He is in Block 19 of the cemetery.
Henry and Jenny Bell’s gravestones are in Block 15. They were also freedom seekers.
There are several abolitionists as well, like Delia A. Webster who was an underground railroad conductor. Her grave is in Block 19.
You can also watch these videos from home on the Des Moines Parks and Recreation YouTube page.
Metro News:
- Interactive Juneteenth history of Iowans at the Woodland Cemetery
- Celebrations begin with Juneteenth Jubilee in Iowa Juneteenth’s 35th year
- 1 in custody following evacuation of EMC Events Center downtown
- Blank Park Zoo welcomes new baby animal
- Downtown Farmers’ Market celebrating 50th season with special event
Leave a Reply