The History of Thanksgiving: A Celebrated American Tradition

Thanksgiving Day, a cherished federal holiday in the United States, will be observed this year on Thursday, November 27. Its roots run deep into the early colonial history of North America, beginning with a harvest celebration in 1621 that has become part of America’s cultural foundation.

A New Beginning in Plymouth

The story begins in September 1620, when the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England, carrying 102 passengers. Among them were religious separatists seeking a place to freely practice their faith, along with others hopeful for new opportunities in the New World. After a difficult 66-day journey across the Atlantic, the ship landed near Cape Cod—far north of its intended destination. A month later, the group made

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