The Complex Origins of Thanksgiving in the U.S.
Thanksgiving in the United States is more than just about pilgrims and turkey. Its roots stretch back to significant moments in the nation’s early history, particularly linked to governmental actions.
After the colonies declared independence, the United States faced a tough time during the Revolutionary War, with multiple defeats, such as the capture of New York City and Washington’s retreat across New Jersey, pushing Congress out of Philadelphia, as noted by 1777.org.
On November 1, 1777, British troops took Philadelphia. In response, the Second Continental Congress gathered in York, Pennsylvania, and established a national day of thanksgiving to honor the American victory at Saratoga.
The English settlers in Plymouth celebrated a harvest festival with the Wampanoag people in the fall of 1621. This event is typically viewed as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations, though it wasn’t until much later that the holiday took on its national significance.
General George Washington, who led the Continental armies and would later become the first president, issued an order designating December 18, 1777, as a “Solemn Day of Thanksgiving and Praise.” All 13 states marked this day as a way to encourage military leaders and their troops to seek guidance in their fight for independence.
Following the Revolutionary War, on September 28, 1789, the First Congress asked President Washington to declare November 26 a national day of thanksgiving. This marked the first Thanksgiving observance that aligned with the U.S. Constitution.
Washington complied roughly two months later by declaring November 26 as National Thanksgiving Day, making it the first official holiday during his presidency. Over the years, different presidents have made similar proclamations, but the dates have fluctuated.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln established the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving. This change became significant and was widely accepted.
Fast forward to 1870, when Congress declared Thanksgiving a national holiday alongside other major celebrations, like Christmas and Independence Day, but with the provision that the president could set the exact date.
This tradition of celebrating on the last Thursday of November persisted for decades, with few exceptions, until Franklin D. Roosevelt entered the picture.
In 1939, Thanksgiving coincided with the final Thursday of November, which was also the month’s last day. Roosevelt, worrying about a shortened holiday season affecting the economy, shifted the holiday to the week before, creating significant public debate.
Despite opposition from traditionalists, Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving again in 1940, leading to what became known as “Franksgiving.” This decision sharply divided the nation, with some states embracing the new date and others sticking to their original observance, resulting in two Thanksgivings for two years.
To resolve the confusion, Congress acted in 1941 to standardize the holiday. Although the House initially favored the last Thursday of November, the Senate revised it to the fourth Thursday instead, accommodating the longer month.
The legislation passed, largely due to support from leaders like Republican Rep. Earl Michener from Michigan. Roosevelt signed the bill on December 26, officially designating the fourth Thursday of November as a legal holiday starting in 1942.
