Perryville commemorates Juneteenth by honoring history of Sleettown

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PERRYVILLE, Ky., (KBSI) — Main Street Perryville is recognizing Juneteenth by highlighting the history and legacy of Sleettown, a historic African American community established near Perryville after the Civil War.

According to Main Street Perryville, brothers Henry and Preston Sleet, formerly enslaved men from Boyle County who served in the United States Colored Troops, returned home following emancipation and founded the community on land near Perryville.

What began as a settlement built on freedom grew into a thriving community that included homes, a church, a school, a store and generations of families.

For nearly 70 years, residents-built lives, raised families and contributed to the area’s history and development.

Although Sleettown no longer exists, community leaders say its legacy remains an important part of Perryville’s history and serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of those who transformed newfound freedom into opportunity.

Main Street Perryville said the story of Sleettown is not only part of African American history, but also an important chapter in the history of Perryville, Kentucky and the United States.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is observed annually on June 19.