Thanksgiving is often celebrated as a time for gratitude, family, and feasting. While the holiday embodies a spirit of unity today, its origins tell a complex story of both cooperation and conflict. Knights, this raises the question: What is the true story of Thanksgiving?
The commonly told version of Thanksgiving dates back to November 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts, when English Pilgrims and members of the Wampanoag tribe gathered for a shared harvest feast. After arriving on the Mayflower in 1620, the Pilgrims faced a brutal first winter, suffering losses due to poor preparation and scarce resources. By spring, more than half of the original settlers had perished.
In early 1621, the remaining Pilgrims encountered members of the Wampanoag, who taught them essential survival skills, such as planting corn and fishing in the local waters. Wampanoag leader Massasoit allied with the Pilgrims, agreeing to mutual protection. Later that fall, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag gathered for a multi-day feast celebrating the harvest and their newfound alliance. Although it was not formally labeled Thanksgiving as we think of it today, this event is often cited as the holiday’s origin.
However, this peace between the Pilgrims and the indigenous people was short-lived. Tensions grew as more English settlers arrived, sparking land disputes and resource competition. By 1675, relations had spiraled into a violent conflict known as King Philip’s War, which devastated many Native American communities in New England and led to significant land loss for the Wampanoag.
Thanksgiving as a national celebration did not take shape until 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a day of unity and gratitude amid the Civil War. Before then, the holiday was sporadically observed in the colonies, often in recognition of military victories.
Today, Thanksgiving has evolved into a day for family gatherings and giving thanks. However, for many Native American descendants, it is also a reminder of broken treaties, cultural loss, and the injustices that accompanied European colonization. Some observe a National Day of Mourning to acknowledge these impacts.
As you prepare for turkey, pumpkin pie, and time with loved ones, remember the deeper story behind this holiday. Thanksgiving’s legacy is marked by gratitude, resilience, cooperation, and conflict and ultimately invites reflection on its history and a chance to honor the truth.
