June 19 in History

• 1863

  June 19, 1863:

  On what would become known as Juneteenth, African-American slaves in Texas are informed that slavery has been abolished and they have become free men and women.

• 1867

  June 19, 1867:

  Ferdinand Maximilian, the Emperor of Mexico, is executed by a firing squad as ordered by the Mexican Republic President, Benito Juarez.

• 1953

  June 19, 1953:

  Former US Army Signal Corps engineer Julius Rosenberg and his wife, Ethel are executed by electric chair for espionage.

• 1961

  June 19, 1961:

  Kuwait becomes an independent state recognized by Great Britain.

• 1977

  June 19, 1977:

  MLB manager and former outfielder Frank Robinson is fired by the Cleveland Indians.

• 2005

  June 19, 2005:

  Michael Schumacher wins a controversy-riddled Formula One race which 14 drivers withdrew from.

• 2010

  June 19, 2010:

  Singer LeAnn Rimes and backup dancer Dean Sheremet finalize their divorce.

• 2013

  June 19, 2013:

  A heart attack claims the life of actor James Gandolfini of “The Sopranos” television series fame in Rome.

• 2014

  June 19, 2014:

  “Transformers: Age of Extinction” is first premiered in Hong Kong.

• 2016

  June 19, 2016:

  LeBron James leads the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA championship in a finals victory over the Golden State Warriors.