Wednesday, June 19, marks Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history. On this date in 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform 250,000 enslaved people that they were free, marking the end of slavery in the United States.


Juneteenth, which was informally celebrated for nearly 160 years, was officially designated a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021. “Today, we consecrate Juneteenth for what it ought to be, what it must be: a national holiday,” Biden stated during the signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.


Traditionally, Juneteenth is celebrated with parades, educational events, family gatherings, and special foods. To honor these traditions and allow employees to participate, many businesses, stores, and services close for the day.



To help you plan ahead, here’s a guide to what will be open or closed on Juneteenth, including banks, schools, government services, and stores.


#### Banks

Most major banks, such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JP Morgan, and TD Bank, follow the Federal Reserve System’s holiday schedule and will be closed on Wednesday, June 19. However, most ATM services will remain operational.


#### Stock Market

The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will be closed on Juneteenth, halting all trading activities for the day.


#### United States Postal Service (USPS)

USPS offices will be closed, and there will be no mail delivery on Wednesday, June 19.


### Conclusion

Before making any plans for Juneteenth, ensure to check the status of local businesses and services. This guide aims to help you navigate the holiday smoothly, allowing you to fully enjoy the celebrations and honor this significant day in American history.