Juneteenth is an annual celebration marking the official end of slavery in the United States. The holiday memorializes a specific date - June 19th, 1865 - when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned that they have been granted freedom through the Emancipation Proclamation more than two years earlier.
Despite Abraham Lincoln declaring the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, many slaves in the former Confederate states were not free until years later. On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to officially proclaim victory over Confederate states and the end of all slavery.
The following year, on June 19th, 1866, freed men in Texas organized the first of what became the annual celebration of “Jubilee Day”. Today, Juneteenth celebrations include music, family and friends gatherings, prayer services, parades, and other celebrations. Juneteenth tradition continued to spread as people migrated from Texas to other parts of the United States.
Juneteenth is considered as the “Second Independence Day”, when emancipation from slavery finally took effect in all of the United States. This day represents hope, hard work, and sacrifices that have been made. It also emphasizes our progress and how much more we have to accomplish for social justice and equality.
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Almost 225 years ago, Samuel and Nellie Naylor were born and subsequently enslaved at Liberia House in what is now Manassas, Virginia. Their remarkable lives, family, and enduring legacy live on through hundreds of extended Naylor family descendants. Samuel Naylor was born enslaved by William Weir in 1798 in Prince William County, Virginia. During the Civil War Samuel’s family took care of the Weir’s estate - Liberia House - when the Weir family fled further south. Samuel was able to purchase his freedom and save $500 to buy 50 acres of land in present day Manassas Park, Virginia. Samuel continued to farm his own land until he died of rheumatism on December 24, 1872. Nellie Naylor, the wife of Samuel, was born in 1799 and lived enslaved by the Weir family. After the Civil War the Weir family gave Nellie 12 ½ acres. Nellie continued living in her house with her family until her death on February 27, 1896. Samuel and Nellie raised seven children: Henry, Cornelius, Jane, Sarah, Philip, Maria and Samuel. After Samuel’s death, his farm was divided among his children with each receiving nine acres.
Manassas Park Downtown Naylor Sign Dedication 10:00AM
1 Park Center Ct., Manassas Park, VA 20111 [9:58AM] | 2 Minute Notice [10:05AM] Introduction | Manassas Park City Manager, Laszlo Palko [10:00AM] Opening Remarks | Manassas Park Mayor, Jeanette Rishell [10:10AM] History | Manassas Museum Programs & Events Coordinator, Rachel Goldberg [10:15AM] Remarks | Manassas Park Governing Body, Darryl Moore [10:20AM] Family Remarks | Naylor Family Historical Society President & Founding Member, Linneall Naylor [10:25AM] Remarks | Manassas Park Governing Body, Alanna Mensing [10:30AM] Family Remarks | Naylor Family Historical Society Vice-President & Founding Member, Robert B. Naylor [10:35AM] Vocal Selection | MPHS, Ja’Neese Jefferson [10:40AM] Poetry Reading | MPHS, James Robert Wigington III [10:45AM] Unveiling & Gift Ceremony | Naylor Family & Manassas Park Governing Body [11:00AM] Closing Remarks | Naylor Family Historical Society Secretary & Founding Member, Richard A. Naylor [11:05AM] City Closing Remarks & Sparkling Cider Toast | Manassas Park Vice Mayor, Preston Banks & Naylor Family [11:10AM] Benediction | First Baptist Church of Manassas, Dr. Pastor Keith Savage
Naylor Family Cemetery Dedication 1:00PM
99 Adams St., Manassas Park, VA 20111 [12:58PM] | 2 Minute Notice [1:00PM] Prayer to Celebrate Ancestors | Naylor Family Historical Society Vice-President & Founding Member, Robert B. Naylor [1:05PM] History | Manassas Museum Programs & Events Coordinator, Rachel Goldberg 1:10PM] Remarks | Manassas Park Governing Body, Darryl Moore [1:15PM] Family Remarks | Naylor Family Historical Society President & Founding Member, Linneall Naylor [1:20PM] Plaque Unveiling | Naylor Family & Manassas Park Parks & Recreation [1:30PM] Family Remarks | Naylor Family Historical Society Secretary & Founding Member, Richard A. Naylor [1:35PM] Remarks | Bull Run Elks Lodge No. 529, James H. Hayes [1:40PM] Closing Remarks | Former Parks & Recreation Supervisor, Tony Thomas
Liberia House Tour 3:00PM
8601 Portner Avenue, Manassas, VA 20111 Please join us after the Naylor Family Cemetery Dedication for a tour of the Liberia House.
Most of Samuel and Nellie Naylor’s children were born on the Liberia farm. Nellie was enslaved by the Weir Family and given 12 1/2 acres of land from the family. The land was given to Nellie immediately after the Civil war during which the Liberia house was left under the care of the Naylors. It was during this period that Nellie reportedly had a meeting and discussion with President Lincoln when he visited the Liberia house to check on Union troops. It is quite possible that the Naylors were responsible for the protection of the Liberia house.
Thank you The Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation would like to acknowledge and thank:
Ա The Naylor Family
Ա First Baptist Church Of Manassas, VA Ա The Manassas Museum
Ա James H. Hayes | Bull Run Elks Lodge No. 529, Vienna, VA
Ա Jirani Coffeehouse
Ա Fidelity | Jennie Dean Temple No. 384, Vienna, VA Ա Balfour Beatty
Ա City of Manassas Park Governing Body & City Staff
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