Thanksgiving History: From Its Complex Origins to a National Tradition

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Today, Thanksgiving is characterized by communal meals, often featuring turkey and a variety of side dishes that differ significantly from those consumed in the 17th century. Despite this transformation, it is important to understand Thanksgiving History—how it became a national holiday and the key figures involved in its establishment, such as President Abraham Lincoln and Sarah Josepha Hale.

The Myth of the First Thanksgiving

The widely accepted story of the First Thanksgiving paints a rosy picture far from reality. The 1621 event between English settlers and the Wampanoag people was more practical than friendly due to political alliances and strategic diplomacy rather than camaraderie.

The English settlers found themselves off Cape Cod in 1620 after a 66-day sea voyage. Adjusting to their new environment required help from the Wampanoag, who had lived on these lands for over 12,000 years. The Wampanoag were familiar with European encroachments, having dealt with explorers and slave traders for about a hundred years.

Massasoit, the Wampanoag leader, and his warriors approached the English camp cautiously upon hearing gunshots. The event turned into a three-day affair involving:

• Deer brought by the Native Americans
• Collaborative hunting
• Feasting on shellfish and roasted meats

The meal bore little resemblance to today’s turkey-centric Thanksgiving dinners.

Despite the mythologized vision of unity, the Wampanoag knew the fragility of their standing. Their initial cooperation eventually soured as more settlers arrived, disrupting Native lives through land seizures and conflicts. By the next generations, any fleeting peace was replaced with aggression and betrayal, which is why many Native Americans view Thanksgiving as a Day of Mourning.

The romanticized Thanksgiving story, promoted by Sarah Josepha Hale and Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation, is an artifact of national nostalgia. It played into themes of unity amid civil strife while ignoring native voices and experiences.

Recognizing these historical realities allows current and future generations to honor the rich history of Native American resilience beyond the confines of a feast.

Wampanoag Perspective and Thanksgiving History

The Wampanoag, whose ancestral lands stretched across southeastern Massachusetts and eastern Rhode Island, were key players in the events of 1621 and beyond. They had cultivated a deep connection with their environment, maintaining vibrant trade networks and well-established villages.

The arrival of European settlers brought upheaval. The Wampanoag approached the newcomers with caution, having witnessed the effects of earlier encounters with Europeans. Their decision to assist the struggling English settlers was strategic, aiming to form alliances that might fend off other aggressive tribes and future European incursions.

Massasoit, the Wampanoag sachem, was instrumental in managing these delicate relations. His diplomacy was pivotal, yet he remained aware of his people’s precarious position. The alliance forged with the settlers was fragile and, as history unfolded, transient. Subsequent waves of European settlers increasingly encroached on Wampanoag land, disregarding previous agreements.

"What Columbus 'discovered' was not a 'new world,' but another old world, rich in diverse peoples, histories, and cultures." – Colin Calloway, historian

As diseases brought by Europeans decimated native populations, the societal structures of many tribes, including the Wampanoag, were severely disrupted. The aftermath of these interactions was a long-lasting struggle for survival and autonomy against the backdrop of relentless colonization.

Today, the descendants of the Wampanoag continue to share their history, dispelling myths of mutual harmony and highlighting their people’s resilience and enduring spirit. Their story is a testament to the strength of Indigenous cultures that, despite centuries of challenges, have sustained their traditions and continue to thrive.

The Role of Sarah Josepha Hale and Abraham Lincoln

Sarah Josepha Hale, a 19th-century magazine editor and writer, played a pivotal role in promoting a national Thanksgiving holiday. She believed it could help unify a country increasingly divided by regional differences and moral conflicts. For nearly two decades, Hale lobbied presidents, governors, and influential figures, urging them to consider the cultural and moral benefits of a coordinated day of gratitude.

In 1863, amidst the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring the final Thursday in November as a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise.” Lincoln envisioned Thanksgiving as a time to unite Americans in recognition of their common blessings and the hope of future prosperity and peace.

Lincoln sought to create a sense of national unity by highlighting values that transcended the battlefield—a sense of gratitude for freedoms fought for and the hope for healing in the fractured nation.

The efforts of Hale and Lincoln reimagined Thanksgiving as a national holiday during a period of upheaval, moving it beyond its origins as a harvest gathering to become a symbol of American cohesion and resilience. Their combined influence solidified Thanksgiving as part of American culture, making it clear that appreciation and gratitude have as much a place in the story as traditional foods.

Cultural and Historical Context of Early Settlers

The early settlers, often referred to as Puritans, undertook their journey to America driven by a desire for religious freedom. They faced perilous conditions aboard the Mayflower and encountered an unfamiliar and unforgiving wilderness upon arrival. The harsh New England climate led to high mortality rates during their initial winter in Plymouth.

The settlers relied heavily on the support and knowledge of local Native American tribes, particularly the Wampanoag. These interactions were complex political and diplomatic engagements rather than straightforward friendships. The settlers sought to establish alliances that would provide mutual benefits, recognizing that their survival depended on the cooperation of neighboring Indigenous communities.

The political landscape was a delicate balance of diplomacy and power. Massasoit, the Wampanoag leader, demonstrated strategic acumen in his dealings with the settlers, aiming to protect his people against more significant threats while managing the presence of these European newcomers.

As the settlement expanded, colonial interests often clashed with native sovereignty, leading to unavoidable conflict. The early settler experience was one of constant negotiation, not merely with the land and elements but with the very peoples whose territories they infringed upon.

Modern Thanksgiving and Its Evolution

Thanksgiving has transformed from a modest harvest festival to a widely recognized holiday in contemporary American society. Initially rooted in regional traditions, it became a national holiday through the advocacy of figures like Sarah Josepha Hale and President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation.

Today, Thanksgiving is characterized by communal meals, often featuring turkey and a variety of side dishes that differ from those consumed in the 17th century. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City has become a defining feature of the holiday, demonstrating the marriage of cultural heritage and modern entertainment.

Football games broadcast nationally on Thanksgiving Day have also become part of the collective ritual, illustrating the holiday’s evolution into a day for both reflection and leisure. This blending of sport with celebration highlights how Thanksgiving adapts to align with contemporary American life.

There remains an undercurrent of introspection about Thanksgiving’s origins and implications. Increasing awareness of the complex historical accounts of early interactions between European settlers and Native Americans has prompted a reevaluation of what it means to gather and give thanks.

Thanksgiving has also taken on a role as a marker of the holiday season’s start, setting the scene for end-of-year celebrations and commercial activity. The Black Friday shopping frenzy that follows underscores the shift towards consumerism, contrasting with the original spirit of gratitude and community.

In its modern form, Thanksgiving represents a convergence of traditions old and new, a celebration that continues to change while maintaining its core spirit of togetherness.

As we reflect on Thanksgiving, it’s important to acknowledge the full scope of its history. The celebration is more than a simple feast; it is a reminder of the complex interactions between early settlers and Native Americans. Recognizing these historical realities allows us to honor the rich history of Native American resilience, encouraging a more inclusive understanding of what Thanksgiving represents.

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3. Winslow E. Mourt’s Relation: A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth. Applewood Books; 1986.