Lincoln’s Legacy: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday

Thanksgiving Day, as we know it, owes much to President Abraham Lincoln, who played a pivotal role in formalizing the holiday. While the origins of Thanksgiving trace back to 1621, when the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Native Americans shared an autumn harvest feast, the journey to a unified national observance was centuries in the making. 

For much of American history, Thanksgiving celebrations were localized and varied, often reflecting regional harvests and traditions. Even during the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress designated days of thanksgiving to mark moments of national significance. In 1789, George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation by the U.S. government, urging Americans to express gratitude for independence and the ratification of the Constitution. However, a regular, nationwide Thanksgiving Day remained elusive. 

The turning point came in the 19th century, thanks to the tireless efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, an influential magazine editor and advocate. For decades, Hale campaigned to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday, appealing to political leaders through letters and articles. Her persistence eventually caught the attention of President Abraham Lincoln during one of the most divided times in American history—the Civil War. 

In 1863, Lincoln issued a proclamation that forever changed the nation’s observance of Thanksgiving. Seeking to unite a fractured country, Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November as a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” His proclamation was not merely about giving thanks; it was a call for reflection, healing, and unity at a time when the United States was deeply divided. 

This act of leadership during such a tumultuous period cemented Thanksgiving as an enduring symbol of national gratitude and resilience. Lincoln’s decision, inspired by Hale’s campaign, established a tradition that continues to bring Americans together annually. 

In 1941, Congress officially solidified Thanksgiving’s place on the calendar, designating the fourth Thursday of November as a federal holiday. Today, the spirit of Lincoln’s Thanksgiving proclamation lives on. Americans gather with loved ones to reflect on their blessings, share traditional feasts, and celebrate a sense of community and gratitude. 

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us remember the vision of President Abraham Lincoln, whose 1863 proclamation helped shape this cherished holiday. Your Harrison wishes everyone a warm and joyful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, unity, and reflection. 

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