Whether you celebrate a festival or not, it’s always fun to learn about the origin of the traditions people follow and see what historical events led to them being followed in the first place.
Thanksgiving is an American tradition that began in 1621. But it wasn’t until much later that it became an official holiday celebrated across the country.
So, here are 7 things you probably didn’t know about the history of Thanksgiving.
1. When was the first Thanksgiving dinner?
The autumn harvest feast shared by the Plymouth colonists and the Native American tribe, Wampanoag, is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations.
While there have been other Thanksgiving celebrations, including one on May 27, 1578, in Newfoundland, the Plymouth Thanksgiving is what is considered the beginning of Modern Thanksgiving celebrations.
2. Where was the first Thanksgiving?
The site of the first Thanksgiving was around southeastern Massachusetts and eastern Rhode Island.
3. Who was part of the first Thanksgiving?
Native American Tribes:
The site of the first Thanksgiving had been the home of the Wampanoag tribe for over 12,000 years. They knew the land well and had fished, hunted, and harvested for thousands of generations.
The Settlers:
A group of English Protestants called Puritans who wanted to break away from the Church of England boarded the Mayflower and traveled the ocean for 66 days, and arrived at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620.
So, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated among the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag tribe.
4. How long was the first Thanksgiving celebration?
In the fall of 1921, four settlers were sent to hunt for food for a harvest celebration. The Wampanoag heard gunshots and thought the English might be preparing for war. But when they visited the settlement, they realized that they were only preparing for a festival.
The leader of the tribe, Massasoit, then sent some of his own men to hunt for the feast. For three days, the English and native men, women, and children ate together.
Historical records note that the two groups played ball games, sang, and danced throughout the three-day celebrations.
5. What was served at the feast?
As strange as it may be, the highlight of modern Thanksgiving, the Turkey, is actually a rather recent addition.
The meal at the first Thanksgiving is believed to have consisted of deer, corn, shellfish, and roasted meat.
Bonus Fact:
Although the first Thanksgiving was in 1621, it was not exactly considered a “thanksgiving” by the Pilgrims. It was only in 1923, after a rain relieved the Pilgrims of a two-year-long drought, that Governor William Bradford declared a day of Thanksgiving, including a large feast, giving homage to God for their gratitude.
6. When was the first national celebration of Thanksgiving under the new Constitution?
President George Washington was the first to issue a proclamation for Thanksgiving celebrations in 1789 and designate a particular day for the same.
7. When did Thanksgiving become a national holiday in the US?
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday and designated it to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November.
Thanksgiving Trivia
If the rest of it was too much of a history lesson, here are 50 interesting facts about Thanksgiving that you can share with your friends and family at the dinner table.
