Which US President Declared the First Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a holiday deeply rooted in American history, celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November. The celebration commemorates the harvest and the early relationships between European settlers and Native Americans. However, many people are curious about which US president declared the first Thanksgiving. The answer to this question might surprise you. Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind this national holiday.
The first Thanksgiving was not declared by a president, but rather by a governor. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Native Americans held a three-day feast to celebrate the harvest. This feast is often considered the first Thanksgiving. However, it was not until 1789 that a formal Thanksgiving was declared by the Continental Congress.
The first official Thanksgiving was declared by President George Washington. In October of that year, he issued a proclamation inviting the nation to give thanks for the nation’s deliverance from danger. This proclamation was the first time the word “Thanksgiving” appeared in a U.S. presidential proclamation.
However, it was not until 1863 that Thanksgiving became a national holiday. President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November as the national day of Thanksgiving. This declaration was made during the Civil War, and it was intended to bring the nation together during a time of strife and division.
Since then, Thanksgiving has been celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of November. While the tradition of the first Thanksgiving feast started in 1621, it was President Lincoln who made it a national holiday, ensuring that the spirit of gratitude and unity would continue to be celebrated across the country.
In conclusion, the first Thanksgiving was not declared by a president, but the tradition of celebrating it as a national holiday was established by President Abraham Lincoln. This holiday serves as a reminder of the nation’s history, the importance of gratitude, and the bonds that unite us all.
