When was Thanksgiving a national holiday? This question often arises as people reflect on the history and significance of this beloved American tradition. Thanksgiving has been a national holiday since 1863, but its journey to becoming a formal celebration was a long and winding road.
Thanksgiving has its roots in the early 17th century when the Pilgrims, a group of English settlers, arrived in what is now the United States. They celebrated their first successful harvest with a three-day feast in 1621. This event is often cited as the first Thanksgiving celebration. However, the tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving did not become widespread until the 19th century.
In the early 19th century, various states began celebrating Thanksgiving on different dates, which caused confusion and inconsistency. It was not until the Civil War that Thanksgiving began to take on a more national significance. President Abraham Lincoln, in an effort to boost the nation’s morale during the war, declared Thanksgiving a national holiday on October 3, 1863. This declaration was intended to unite the country and bring people together in gratitude for their blessings during a time of hardship.
Despite Lincoln’s declaration, the date of Thanksgiving continued to vary from state to state. It was not until 1941 that Thanksgiving was finally standardized as a national holiday. On December 26, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill that established the fourth Thursday in November as the official Thanksgiving Day. This decision was made to ensure that Thanksgiving would always fall on a Thursday, giving families a full weekend to celebrate.
Since then, Thanksgiving has remained a cherished national holiday, a time for families to gather, give thanks, and share a feast. While the specific date and celebration may have evolved over the years, the spirit of Thanksgiving remains a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude and togetherness.
