Thanksgiving, a beloved American holiday, has a rich history dating back to the early 17th century. The story begins with the Pilgrims, English separatists who sailed to North America aboard the Mayflower in 1620, seeking religious freedom.
After a harsh winter in which many Pilgrims died, the survivors established Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts. In the spring of 1621, they were taught essential agricultural skills by Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe. The Pilgrims’ first corn harvest was successful, and Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast, inviting their Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit.
This three-day feast in the fall of 1621 is considered the “First Thanksgiving.” The menu likely included wild fowl, venison, fish, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, and squash. While not the formal holiday we know today, it set the stage for future celebrations.
Thanksgiving feasts continued sporadically in different colonies and states. During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress designated days of thanksgiving. In 1789, President George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation, calling for Americans to express gratitude for the end of the war of independence and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
In the 19th century, many states adopted Thanksgiving holidays. However, these celebrations were held on different days, and the South was largely unfamiliar with the tradition. Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of the popular women’s magazine Godey’s Lady’s Book, campaigned for a national Thanksgiving holiday for 36 years.
Finally, in 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. The holiday was set as the fourth Thursday in November by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941 and approved by Congress.
Today, Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, feasting, parades, and expressing gratitude. While it’s important to celebrate the spirit of thankfulness, it’s also crucial to acknowledge the complex history between European settlers and Native Americans, and to honor the contributions and struggles of indigenous peoples.
