Juneteenth 2026: Celebrating Freedom and Heritage in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Love City Car Ferries Inc
Connecting Our Community with a Heart for the People

At Love City Car Ferries, we believe that understanding our history strengthens our community. We join the nation in honoring a pivotal moment in American history while also recognizing the unique emancipation story of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

A Day of National Remembrance

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were finally free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. Today, Juneteenth stands as our country's second independence day, a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward equality.

Our Local Legacy: Emancipation Day in the Virgin Islands

While Juneteenth commemorates emancipation in the continental United States, our islands hold their own powerful history of freedom. On July 3, 1848, Moses "General Buddhoe" Gottlieb led more than 8,000 enslaved Africans in a peaceful uprising that compelled Danish Governor Peter von Scholten to declare, "All unfree in the Danish West Indies are from today emancipated." It is hardly told that after General Buddhoe lead the emancipation of his people, he was jailed and exiled from his beloved islands.

This was seventeen years before Juneteenth—making the U.S. Virgin Islands home to one of the earliest emancipations in the Caribbean. Every July 3rd, we celebrate Emancipation Day, honoring General Buddhoe and the brave individuals who demanded freedom.

Connecting Our Community with A Heart for the People

This Juneteenth, Love City Car Ferries Inc is proud to serve as the lifeline between St. Thomas and St. John, connecting families, friends, and visitors as they gather to commemorate this important day. Whether you're attending celebrations on St. Thomas or finding reflection in the natural beauty of St. John, we're here to ensure your journey is as smooth as the waters that surround our islands.

Ways to Observe Juneteenth in the USVI

• Attend Local Celebrations: Check community calendars for Juneteenth events featuring music, food, and educational programs
• Visit Historical Sites: Explore the ruins of sugar plantations and learn about the lives of those who built our islands
• Support Black-Owned Businesses: From restaurants to artisans, our community thrives when we support one another
• Reflect and Educate: Take time to learn about our shared history and discuss its relevance today

Looking Ahead

As we operate our ferries across the waters that have connected these islands for generations, we're reminded that freedom of movement—physical and societal—is something to cherish and protect. Love City Car Ferries Inc remains committed to serving all members of our community with dignity, respect, and reliability.

From our crew to your family, we wish you a meaningful Juneteenth. May we continue to honor the past while building a future worthy of those who fought for freedom.
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Safe travels,
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Customer Relations Team
Love City Car Ferries, Inc.
Phone: 340-779-4000
Website: https://www.lovecitycarferries.com/
Email: [email protected]
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Love City Car Ferries, Inc. is a proud member of the U.S. Virgin Islands business community, serving residents and visitors since 1997.