In Mourt’s Relation, compiled from the journals of their first year at Plymouth Plantation, William Bradford and Edward Winslow describe what is now referred to as the first American Thanksgiving. By Spring, they and their fellow settlers had built seven dwelling houses and, with much help from their Indian neighbors, achieved a good harvest.
In response, Governor Bradford “sent four men on fowling, that so we might, after a more special manner, rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors.” Catching fowl aplenty, they were joined by King Massasoit and “some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted.”
Thanksgiving, then, became a time to celebrate their successful production. It continues so today. Which I guess makes every post on this blog a Thanksgiving of sorts.
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