Who made emancipation day a holiday?
The Emancipation Proclamation has been celebrated and observed in Gallia County, Ohio continuously since 1863. The Gallia County Emancipation Day Celebration is reported to be the longest continuous celebration in the United States. Historically, the original celebration was always celebrated on the 22nd of September. This coincided with President Abraham Lincoln’s historic signing of the Emancipation Proclamation which declared slaves “thenceforth and forever more free”. It was conducted in a religious atmosphere. Activities and games such as baseball, sack racing, hog calling and greasy pole climbing were included to stimulate interest and maintain enthusiasm. Bands, famous orators, politicians, parades, dances and queen contest were also included in the celebration.
