Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition celebrated by Americans every year on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a day to give thanks for the blessings of the past year and gather with family and friends. While the traditional feast includes roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, there are many fun facts about this festive holiday that may surprise you! So, keep reading for a list of historical Thanksgiving facts provided by your friends at Summerset Boat Lifts.
1. Thanksgiving dates all the way back to 1621 when English colonists shared a three-day feast with the Wampanoag Indians in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
2. The first official Thanksgiving celebration was declared by President George Washington in 1789 as a day of “public thanksgiving and prayer”.
3. Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving an official national holiday in 1863, setting it on the last Thursday of November each year.
4. While traditional dishes include roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, some families prefer different foods such as ham or fish instead of turkey!
5. Half of all Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends.
6. While most people think of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade as a modern tradition, it has actually been around since 1924!
Thanksgiving is more than just a day of feasting; it’s an opportunity to reflect on the blessings of the past year and appreciate our loved ones. As you celebrate this holiday, keep these fun facts in mind for an even richer appreciation of its history and traditions. Our premier boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks wishes you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!