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The feast that was held in the Plymouth Colony, celebrated by the Pilgrims and Native Americans in the fall of 1621, is the meal most commonly referenced as “The First Thanksgiving”. Of course, what is history without controversy? It’s often the story that gets told best that gets told most and of course, documentation of any event gives it more credibility. The post harvest feast of 1621 is the only event that was documented.
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Edward Winslow wrote a letter on December 11th, 1621:
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"Our harvest being gotten in, our governour sent foure men on fowling, that so we might after a speciall manner rejoyce together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labours; they foure in one day killed as much fowle, as with a little helpe beside, served the Company almost a weeke, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Armes, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoyt, with some ninetie men, whom for three dayes we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deere, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governour, and upon the Captaine and others. And although it be not always so plentifull, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so farre from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plentie." (Source, Pilgrim Hall, Plymouth, MA)
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The other account of the event (though it does not specifically mention a feast with the Indians) was documented by Governor William Bradford:
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"They begane now to gather in ye small harvest they had, and to fitte up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health & strength, and had all things in good plenty; fFor as some were thus imployed in affairs abroad, others were excersised in fishing, aboute codd, & bass, & other fish, of which yey tooke good store, of which every family had their portion. All ye somer ther was no want. And now begane to come in store of foule, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degrees). And besids water foule, ther was great store of wild Turkies, of which they tooke many, besids venison, &c. Besids, they had about a peck a meale a weeke to a person, or now since harvest, Indean corn to yt proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largly of their plenty hear to their freinds in England, which were not fained, but true reports." (Source, Pilgrim Hall, Plymouth, MA)
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Considering these are the only known documented articles written by people in attendence of the "First Thanksgiving and specifically reference of the "First Thanksgiving", we get a better understanding of this event by delving into the lives of the people that celebrated this "First Thanksgiving". Understanding the events leading up to the famous feast of the Plymouth Colony in 1621 gives us a much better understanding of why they were giving thanks. Specifically, understanding the events of the previous year and the loss that was suffered gives us significant insight. The Pilgrims must have been overwhelmed by feelings of loss, relief, and the exhiliration that simply comes from surviving an extremely difficult ordeal. To truly understand that First Thanksgiving, we need to explore the journey taken by these Pilgrims, put ourselves in their shoes and understand why they were compelled to take time to rest, reflect and give thanks. Thanksgiving is a great American holiday that is rich in history and culture. Understand the minds and thoughts of our first settlers gives great insight into the understanding our development and founding principles of this great nation. We hope you enjoy exploring our website as much as we enjoyed developing it!
The Puritans
Saints and Strangers
The Plymouth Colony
The Mayflower Compact
First Thanksgiving
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