OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It’s been over 57,000 days since Emancipation was proclaimed in Tallahassee.

On May 20, 1865, just 11 days after the end of the Civil War, Union General Edward M. McCook began reading the Emancipation Proclamation on the front steps of the Hagner House, now known as the Knott House. This structure was built by a free Black builder named George Proctor.

McCook and his Union brigade had taken over the area from Southern forces. McCook established headquarters at the Hagner House, just a few blocks from the state capital.

The proclamation read by McCook freed an estimated 61,000 slaves from the greater Tallahassee region. On that same day, Major General Quincy A. Gillmore sent an announcement to Tallahassee.

The announcement read, “The people of the black race are free citizens of the United States.”

Historical newspaper clipping titled "Special Notices" from May 19, 1865, issued by the U.S. military in Tallahassee, Florida, informing citizens—particularly those unaware—that slavery had been abolished by the Emancipation Proclamation effective January 1, 1863, and referencing laws from 1862 governing military conduct regarding the issue.
The Floridian and Journal, a prominent newspaper in Tallahassee around that time, releases a notice on May 20, 1865, regarding the Emancipation Proclamation. Courtesy: Florida Department of State

The memorable date occurred two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which freed an estimated 3.5 million enslaved African Americans from Southern states.

Local government officials, including Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward, have chimed in to honor and remember May 20, 1865, formally known as Florida Emancipation Day.

“Florida Emancipation Day is about more than a document or a date. It is about the people who were freed — people who worked, dreamed, built families, kept their faith, and held onto hope through generations of injustice,” said Ward. “Their display of courage and strength inspires us, even a full 160 years later.”

Secretary of State Cord Byrd released a statement on Tuesday morning that invites Floridians to celebrate the day.

“The Florida Department of State is honored to partner with the John G. Riley Center & Museum to continue this annual celebration in Tallahassee,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “In Tallahassee and the surrounding area, Emancipation Day has been celebrated on the 20th of May for 160 years. Keeping this tradition alive brings communities together in the spirit of history and freedom.”

Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano reflected on what matters most on Florida Emancipation Day.

“Emancipation Day in Ocala is a powerful reminder of our shared history and the resilience of those who fought for freedom and justice. It is a day to celebrate our progress, honor our roots, and renew our commitment to building an inclusive and equitable community. This day should continue to inspire us all to work together — breaking down barriers, embracing diversity, and fostering a future where liberty, dignity, and hope thrive for every resident of Ocala,” said Marciano.

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