What year was the first Thanksgiving? This question remains one of the most searched topics every November, as Americans revisit the origins of one of the country’s most cherished holidays. As of today’s verified historical record, the event recognized as the first Thanksgiving took place in 1621. That year marks the earliest documented harvest celebration shared by English settlers and the Wampanoag people in Plymouth, laying the foundation for a tradition that continues across the United States.
This article provides a current, factual, and comprehensive breakdown for 2025 readers seeking clarity about the origins, timeline, and lasting impact of the first Thanksgiving.
Table of Contents
The Year 1621: The First Recorded Thanksgiving
The year 1621 is widely accepted by historians as the date of the first Thanksgiving. This gathering followed the Pilgrims’ first successful harvest after arriving on the Mayflower in 1620. Surviving settlers celebrated the meal with members of the Wampanoag tribe, including their leader, Massasoit.
The event lasted three days and featured food, diplomacy, and community-building. While the exact menu differs from today’s traditions, the 1621 gathering remains the earliest documented instance of what eventually evolved into the national holiday Americans recognize.
Why 1621 Is the Confirmed Year
The year 1621 is confirmed through direct writings from Plymouth colonists, especially Edward Winslow, whose documentation provides the clearest surviving record of the event. No existing historical evidence places the first shared harvest feast at any earlier or later year.
Although some scholars highlight other ceremonies of thanks in American history, such as Spanish or English religious observances in the 1500s, the 1621 Plymouth event is the one officially embraced in U.S. cultural and educational traditions as the first Thanksgiving.
Timeline of Key Events Surrounding the First Thanksgiving
Below is a concise timeline that helps readers clearly understand the sequence of events:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1620 | Mayflower arrives; settlers face a devastating winter. |
| Spring 1621 | Pilgrims are aided by the Wampanoag people; planting begins. |
| Fall 1621 | First successful harvest is gathered. |
| 1621 | First Thanksgiving celebration is held over three days. |
| 1863 | Thanksgiving becomes an annual national holiday by presidential proclamation. |
| 1941 | Congress officially sets Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday of November. |
Each milestone shows how the 1621 event grew from a local meal into a national tradition.
Who Participated in the First Thanksgiving?
Two groups played central roles in the 1621 celebration:
The Pilgrims
These were English settlers who traveled aboard the Mayflower seeking religious freedom. Roughly half of them survived the first harsh winter.
The Wampanoag Tribe
As stewards of the land, the Wampanoag people had deep agricultural knowledge. They helped the settlers learn essential farming techniques. Their involvement was crucial not only for the harvest but also for the peace agreement that allowed cooperation between the two communities.
Together, these groups created the shared meal that Americans now commemorate.
What Was Served at the First Thanksgiving?
While modern meals feature turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, the 1621 celebration had a different menu based on available food sources. Historians confirm that the meal likely included:
- Wild fowl such as duck or goose
- Deer provided by the Wampanoag
- Corn, beans, and squash
- Nuts, berries, and autumn vegetables
- Seafood including clams or fish
This early feast focused on seasonal, local foods rather than the specialized holiday dishes enjoyed today.
How the First Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday
The transformation from a regional event in 1621 to a nationwide holiday took centuries.
Church Traditions and Local Celebrations
Throughout the colonial era, various states and communities held their own days of thanks, often tied to harvests or important events.
Presidential Proclamations
Various presidents encouraged national days of gratitude. However, it wasn’t until 1863 that Thanksgiving became an annual tradition when President Abraham Lincoln set aside a national day to encourage unity during the Civil War.
Federal Recognition
In 1941, Congress officially established Thanksgiving as a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. This decision permanently linked modern celebrations to the historical roots of the 1621 gathering.
Why Americans Still Ask “What Year Was the First Thanksgiving?”
The question remains popular for several reasons:
- Educational relevance: Students, teachers, and parents revisit the topic annually.
- Cultural connection: Knowing the date strengthens understanding of American history.
- National curiosity: As holidays evolve, people want accurate historical grounding.
- Ongoing discussion: Public interest grows as conversations about cultural origins increase.
Because Thanksgiving combines tradition, heritage, and shared values, understanding its origins remains important to families across the country.
How the 1621 Thanksgiving Impacts Today’s Celebrations
Modern Thanksgiving traditions differ greatly from the original event, but the spirit of gathering and gratitude remains the same.
Family and Community
Americans today celebrate with family feasts, travel, and community gatherings. While the meals have expanded and customs have changed, the emphasis on unity survives.
Reflection and Awareness
Conversations about history now include awareness of Native American perspectives. In recent years, many communities have added educational events that highlight the role of Indigenous peoples and the importance of cultural respect.
National Traditions
Parades, football games, charitable events, and televised programs have become part of the modern Thanksgiving experience. Despite these additions, the 1621 celebration remains the symbolic foundation.
Verifying the History in 2025
As of this year, historical research and educational institutions continue to confirm that the first Thanksgiving occurred in 1621. No new findings have changed this widely accepted date. Public historical centers, museums, and expert analyses all affirm the same timeline.
This ensures that the answer is clear, factual, and supported by the most reliable modern scholarship.
Conclusion
The answer to “what year was the first Thanksgiving” remains firmly established as 1621, marking the historic harvest celebration shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag. This moment stands as a foundational part of American tradition and continues to shape how families celebrate gratitude today.
Share your thoughts below and let us know how you’ll be celebrating this Thanksgiving season.