Introduction
Thanksgiving Day is one of the most important holidays in the United States, a time when people gather with family and friends to celebrate good food, good company, and all the blessings in their lives. But do you know which president made Thanksgiving a permanent national holiday in 1836? In this article, we’ll explore the history of Thanksgiving Day, the early efforts to establish it as a national holiday, and the presidents who played a role in making it the beloved holiday it is today.
The Origins of Thanksgiving Day
The history of Thanksgiving Day goes back to the earliest days of the United States, when the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a feast to celebrate their shared harvest. Over time, Thanksgiving became a popular holiday across the country, with many states establishing their own Thanksgiving traditions. By the mid-19th century, there was growing interest in establishing Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring Thanksgiving Day a national holiday, a decision that was reinforced by subsequent presidents and has continued to this day.
How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday: The Story of the President Behind It
The story of how Thanksgiving became a national holiday is a fascinating one, filled with many important figures and key events. One of the most prominent figures in this story is Sarah Josepha Hale, an author and editor who played an important role in advocating for a national Thanksgiving Day.
Hale’s efforts to promote Thanksgiving as a national holiday began long before Lincoln’s proclamation, and she worked tirelessly to gain support across the country. Finally, in 1863, her efforts paid off when Lincoln issued his historic proclamation, establishing Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday.
The History of Thanksgiving: The President Who Made it a National Holiday in 1836
Despite the popular myth that Thanksgiving was established as a national holiday in 1836 by President Martin Van Buren, the truth is that Thanksgiving Day was not officially recognized as a national holiday until 1863, with Lincoln’s proclamation. So how did this myth come to be so widespread?
One theory is that the myth originated with an 1859 novel called “The Minister’s Wooing,” in which the protagonist, a New England minister, gives thanks for Van Buren’s establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1836. While this was a work of fiction, it may have helped to popularize the idea that Van Buren was responsible for establishing Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday.
Giving Thanks: The President Who Formally Established Thanksgiving as a National Holiday
After Lincoln’s proclamation, Thanksgiving Day became an important part of American culture, and subsequent presidents continued to support and promote the holiday. One of the most significant of these presidents was Franklin D. Roosevelt, who in 1941 signed a bill formally establishing Thanksgiving Day as a permanent national holiday, to be observed on the fourth Thursday in November.
Roosevelt’s decision to establish Thanksgiving Day as a permanent national holiday reflected his belief in the importance of celebrating community, gratitude, and the bonds that unite us all. Today, Thanksgiving Day remains one of the most important holidays in the United States, a time for people to come together and give thanks for all the good things in their lives.
From Jamestown to the White House: Tracing the President who Made Thanksgiving a Permanent National Holiday
The history of Thanksgiving Day is a rich and complex one, filled with many important figures and events. From the earliest days of the United States to the present day, presidents and ordinary people alike have recognized the importance of giving thanks and celebrating the blessings in our lives.
While the story of which president made Thanksgiving a permanent national holiday in 1836 is a myth, the true story of how Thanksgiving became a national holiday is no less fascinating. From Sarah Josepha Hale’s tireless advocacy to Lincoln’s historic proclamation and Roosevelt’s formal establishment of the holiday, each president in their own way contributed to making Thanksgiving Day the beloved holiday it is today.
Conclusion
Understanding the history of Thanksgiving Day is an important part of understanding American culture and society. By exploring the origins of this beloved holiday and the presidents who played a role in making it a national holiday, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the values of community, gratitude, and connection that Thanksgiving represents. So this Thanksgiving, as you gather with family and friends to share a meal and celebrate all the good things in your life, take a moment to reflect on the important role that history continues to play in shaping our lives today.