Thanksgiving is a cherished American holiday with roots stretching back to the early 17th century. The story begins in 1620, when a group of English settlers—known as the Pilgrims—sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on the ship Mayflower in search of religious freedom.
After a difficult journey and a harsh winter that claimed nearly half their number, the survivors received crucial help from the Wampanoag people, a Native American tribe native to the region. With guidance on farming, fishing, and local resources, the Pilgrims managed to harvest enough food to survive the next winter.
In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims held a three-day feast to celebrate their successful harvest. They invited members of the Wampanoag tribe, including their leader Massasoit, to join them. This gathering is widely regarded as the "First Thanksgiving," though it was not called that at the time.
It wasn’t until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. Since then, Thanksgiving has become a day for families to gather, share a meal, and express gratitude.
Key Facts
- Year: 1621 (first harvest feast)
- Location: Plymouth Colony (modern-day Massachusetts)
- Participants: Around 50 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag people
- National Holiday Established: 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln
While modern Thanksgiving traditions include turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, the original feast likely featured venison, wildfowl, corn, shellfish, and seasonal vegetables.