The First Thanksgiving

The First Thanksgiving

The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth (1914) Jennie Augusta Brownscomb

Introduction

The story of the first Thanksgiving, a harvest feast shared between Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621, has become ingrained in American folklore and is celebrated annually as a symbol of unity and gratitude. However, as with many historical events, the accuracy of the first Thanksgiving has been subject to scrutiny and debate. 

The Historical Context

In the early 17th century, European settlers known as Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, seeking religious freedom. They encountered indigenous people, including the Wampanoag tribe, who had inhabited the region for thousands of years. The first Thanksgiving is traditionally believed to have occurred in 1621, after the Pilgrims' first successful harvest in the New World.

Primary Sources and Accounts

The primary source for the first Thanksgiving is a letter written by Edward Winslow, one of the Pilgrims present at the event. In his letter dated December 11, 1621, Winslow describes a three-day feast attended by Pilgrims and around 90 Wampanoag warriors, led by Chief Massasoit. The feast included various foods, such as venison, turkey, fish, and vegetables, and was marked by expressions of gratitude and camaraderie between the two groups.

Accuracy and Interpretation

While Winslow's account provides valuable insight into the first Thanksgiving, historians caution against taking it at face value. The letter was written with specific intentions, namely to attract more settlers to Plymouth and promote positive relations with the Native Americans. As such, it may not provide a fully accurate or unbiased portrayal of the event. Furthermore, the Wampanoag people do not consider Thanksgiving a joyous event. To them, the day in which most Americans celebrate Thanksgiving is a day of bloodshed and betrayal. 

Historical Context and Cultural Nuances

To understand the first Thanksgiving more fully, it's essential to consider the historical context and cultural nuances of the time. While the feast may have been a genuine expression of goodwill between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, it occurred against a backdrop of colonial expansion, land dispossession, and conflict that would characterize relations between European settlers and Native Americans in the centuries to come.

Discussion Questions

  1. What do we learn from Edward Winslow’s letter about the first Thanksgiving?
  2. Why might some people see Thanksgiving as a sad day?
  3. How does learning both sides of the Thanksgiving story help us understand history better?
  4. What were the goals of the Pilgrims when they settled in Plymouth?

Glossary

  • Pilgrims: English settlers who came to America in 1620 seeking religious freedom.
  • Wampanoag: A Native American tribe that lived in what is now Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
  • Harvest: The gathering of crops that have been grown.
  • Primary Source: A firsthand record or account of a historical event.
  • Dispossession: The act of taking land or property away from someone.

Introduction

The story of the first Thanksgiving is often told as a peaceful feast between Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621. It is now a holiday celebrated to show unity and thankfulness, but some parts of the story are debated by historians.

The Historical Context

In the early 1600s, the Pilgrims came to Plymouth, Massachusetts, to find religious freedom. They met the Wampanoag tribe, who had lived in the area for thousands of years. In 1621, after the Pilgrims' first harvest, they had a feast that became known as the first Thanksgiving.

Primary Sources and Accounts

The only written record of the first Thanksgiving comes from a Pilgrim named Edward Winslow. In a letter from 1621, he described a three-day feast shared by the Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag men, including Chief Massasoit. They ate deer, turkey, fish, and vegetables and gave thanks together.

Accuracy and Interpretation

Some historians believe Winslow’s letter was meant to make the colony look good and attract more settlers. It may not show the full truth. Also, many Native Americans see Thanksgiving as a day of sorrow and loss, not celebration.

Historical Context and Cultural Nuances

Although the feast may have been friendly, it took place during a time of conflict. As more settlers came, Native Americans lost their land and were treated unfairly. The true story of Thanksgiving includes both kindness and hardship.