Thanksgiving History

The history of Thanksgiving in the United States dates back to the early 17th century when a group of English Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom, sailed on the Mayflower and arrived at Plymouth in 1620. Faced with a harsh winter and unfamiliar conditions, nearly half of the Pilgrims perished.

In 1621, the Pilgrims, having established relations with the Wampanoag Native Americans, celebrated a bountiful harvest together. This event is often considered the first Thanksgiving. The three-day feast was a communal gathering expressing gratitude for the successful harvest and the support of the Native Americans.

The idea of Thanksgiving as an annual celebration took some time to become a tradition. It wasn't until the 19th century that various states started adopting Thanksgiving as a holiday. Sarah Josepha Hale, an influential magazine editor and writer, played a crucial role in advocating for a national Thanksgiving Day. Her efforts eventually led to President Abraham Lincoln proclaiming Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, during the midst of the Civil War.

Since then, Thanksgiving has been celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November. It has evolved into a day for Americans to come together with family and friends, expressing gratitude for the blessings of the year and enjoying a traditional feast that typically includes turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving has become a cherished holiday, symbolizing unity, gratitude, and the importance of communal celebration.