A historian explains how the Pilgrims took over Thanksgiving – and who has been erased
Summary
The article explains the history of Thanksgiving in the United States, focusing on how the common belief that the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared the first Thanksgiving meal in 1621 does not capture the full history. It highlights how other cultural and religious traditions of giving thanks existed long before the Pilgrims, and how early American leaders declared special Days of Thanksgiving for significant events.Key Facts
- Thanksgiving is a holiday where 9 out of 10 Americans gather to share food.
- The popular belief is that Thanksgiving started with the Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621.
- Indigenous groups, like the Wampanoag, had harvest festivals long before the Pilgrims arrived.
- Cahokia, a Native American city, held communal feasts to give thanks in the 11th century.
- The tradition of declaring official Days of Thanksgiving dates back to early American colonists and leaders.
- The U.S. and Confederate states declared Days of Thanksgiving during conflicts like the American Revolution and Civil War.
- The idea for a national Thanksgiving holiday was suggested to Abraham Lincoln in 1863 by Sarah Hale.
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