President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 in the midst of the Civil War, but freedom for the South's slaves came only with the end of the conflict in April 1865. The joyful news reached Negro slaves in this area in May, and since then May 28th has been established as a community holiday marking a day of freedom and attracting celebrants from all over the nation. "Thank God we are in His care"