The colder months in the United States herald the cherished winter holiday season, a period rich with national observances and deeply ingrained traditions. Central among these is Thanksgiving, an enduring annual celebration meticulously observed on the fourth Thursday of November. While its roots can be traced back to earlier colonial harvest feasts, the national recognition of Thanksgiving officially began with a presidential decree. In 1789, following a resolution passed by Congress, President George Washington issued a proclamation designating Thursday, November 26, as a "Day of Public Thanks-giving and Prayer." This inaugural call was primarily a harvest festival, a day for citizens to express gratitude for the nation's newfound independence, the successful conclusion of the Revolutionary War, and the bountiful harvests.

The Intermittent Years and Presidential Hesitation

Despite President Washington’s foundational act, Thanksgiving did not immediately become a consistent national fixture. For decades, its observance remained sporadic, largely dependent on individual presidential proclamations or state-level initiatives. Notably, several prominent officials, including President Thomas Jefferson, actively repudiated the idea of a federally mandated day of Thanksgiving. Their reservations stemmed from various concerns, primarily those related to the separation of church and state and the potential for federal overreach into matters traditionally left to individual states or religious bodies. Jefferson, a staunch advocate for religious freedom, believed that prescribing a day of prayer or thanksgiving might infringe upon citizens' rights or conflate governmental authority with religious practice. Consequently, the holiday drifted in and out of practice, a patchwork of local and state celebrations rather than a unified national observance.

Abraham Lincoln's Unifying Proclamation

The dawn of a new era for Thanksgiving arrived amidst one of America’s most tumultuous periods: the Civil War. It was in 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln, influenced by decades of advocacy from figures like Sarah Josepha Hale (the persistent editor who championed the holiday for nearly forty years), formally declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. His proclamation, issued on October 3rd, set the celebration for the last Thursday in November. Lincoln's decision was a profound act of national unity and solace. Amidst the devastating conflict, he envisioned Thanksgiving as a moment for all Americans, North and South, to pause and reflect, to offer gratitude for any blessings received, and to pray for peace and healing. This declaration solidified Thanksgiving as a permanent federal observance, imbuing it with a renewed sense of purpose and national significance beyond a mere harvest celebration.

Franklin D. Roosevelt and the "Franksgiving" Controversy

For decades, Lincoln’s designated date – the last Thursday in November – remained constant. However, in the late 1930s, economic considerations prompted a significant change. During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed to stimulate the economy by extending the Christmas shopping season. In 1939, he moved Thanksgiving from the last Thursday of November to the second-to-last Thursday, effectively adding an extra week of holiday shopping. This decision, made during a period of national hardship, sparked considerable controversy and was humorously dubbed "Franksgiving." Many states resisted the change, leading to a period of confusion where some states celebrated on the new date, while others adhered to the traditional last Thursday. Recognizing the disruption and discontent, Congress intervened. In 1941, it passed a joint resolution, officially establishing Thanksgiving Day as a federal holiday to be celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November. This date has remained perennial to this day, becoming a steadfast pillar of the American holiday calendar.

Contemporary Thanksgiving: More Than a Meal

Today, Thanksgiving remains a cornerstone of American culture, embodying themes of gratitude, family togetherness, and community. It typically involves elaborate meals, featuring roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, symbolizing the traditional harvest bounty. Beyond the feast, it often marks the unofficial start of the winter holiday shopping season (Black Friday), and many use the long weekend for travel, parades, and football. It serves as a vital reminder of the nation’s historical journey, from its fragmented beginnings as a recognized holiday to its enduring status as a day of collective thanks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving's History

When is Thanksgiving celebrated in the United States?

Thanksgiving is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November.

Who first declared Thanksgiving a national holiday?

President Abraham Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, during the Civil War, though President George Washington issued a Thanksgiving proclamation much earlier in 1789.

Why did Thanksgiving's date change under Franklin D. Roosevelt?

President Franklin D. Roosevelt changed the date in 1939 to the second-to-last Thursday of November to extend the Christmas shopping season and boost the economy during the Great Depression. The controversy led Congress to set the date permanently as the fourth Thursday in 1941.

Why was Thanksgiving celebrated intermittently before Lincoln's declaration?

Before 1863, its observance depended on presidential or state proclamations. Figures like Thomas Jefferson opposed a federal holiday due to concerns about the separation of church and state and federal overreach.