“Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together.”
– Edward Winslow

In the autumn of 1621, the 53 surviving Mayflower passengers at Plymouth Colony celebrated their successful harvest, as was the English custom. During the time set aside for rejoicing, they were joined by a large group of Wampanoag dignitaries and men. That 1621 event is remembered as the “First Thanksgiving” at Plymouth.

The connection between this 1621 event and the American Thanksgiving holiday is not straightforward. Although Thanksgiving is rooted in early New England tradition, its association with the Mayflower Pilgrims and Wampanoag people of early Plymouth dates only to the early 20th century.

The modern Thanksgiving holiday is observed nationally on the 4th Thursday in November as a time of family gathering. To many, it is a great American holiday that brings people together at tables across the nation, sharing an opportunity to be thankful for the blessings they enjoy as individuals and as a society. Thanksgiving represents something very different for Indigenous people who observe the holiday as a National Day of Mourning.

From the Thanksgiving of 1621 to the Thanksgiving of today and the National Day of Mourning, learn more about an American holiday.