History of the American Thanksgiving

When people think of Thanksgiving, most remember the story of the Pilgrims and the Indians at Plymouth Rock.The Pilgrims first came ashore in America on December 11, 1620, un-prepared for the harsh winter they were to face.Out of the original 102 settlers that came ashore from the Mayflower, forty-six perished during the first few months.Despite the devestation, the pilgrims had a good harvest, partly in thanks to the help of the Indians that lived nearby. 

They had a traditional British Harvest Feast in thanks to God for surviving and the blessings of provisions that would see them through the winter.  In contrast to our modern Thanksgiving menu, they actually had more meat than vegetables, including venison, fish and wild fowl, which may or may not have actually been turkey.  They probably didn’t have much in the way of desserts, because they didn’t have a lot of flour or sugar on hand.They also probably had some corn and fruit.  Instead of pumpkin pie, they probably had boiled pumpkin.  The first Thanksgiving feast lasted for three days.

Thanksgiving was not an annual event in the U.S. for many years.Because of a drought in 1623, the Pilgrims held a prayer vigil instead of a celebration.When they discovered their prayers were answered the next day, they invited their Indian friends to join them for another Thanksgiving observance.

In Charlestown, Massachusetts, June 20, 1676 was celebrated as a day of Thanksgiving.  However this was very different than the first Thanksgiving. This was to celebrate a victory over the Indians.  Another victory, this time over the British, was celebrated in October of 1677 by all of the thirteen colonies.  George Washington established the first national Thanksgiving day in 1789, however not everyone thought it was a good idea, including Thomas Jefferson.

It wasn’t until 1863 that what we know as our modern Thanksgiving came into being.  Sarah Josepha Hale decided to promote Thanksgiving in her magazine, Boston Ladies’ Magazine and in Godey’s Lady’s Book. She also wrote letters to different governors and presidents.  Abraham Lincoln finally established Thanksgiving as the last Thursday in November.The date was changes numerous times, but in 1941 the date was officially established to be held on the fourth Thursday in November.

Over the years, Thanksgiving has drifted away from its original focus on being thankful.  It has become a day to eat and watch football. While those aren’t bad things, it is good for people to take the time to actually be thankful for their blessings.