CHICAGO — Long after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock in 1621 and celebrated a successful harvest with a three-day gathering that became the first Thanksgiving, it’s one of Illinois’ favorite sons who is responsible for the Thanksgiving holiday as we know it today.
Before Abraham Lincoln, it was the first president of the United States, George Washington, who declared Nov. 26, 1789 a day of public thanksgiving.
“A lot of people trace the celebration of Thanksgiving in the United States to the pilgrims and Plymouth in the 17th century, our contemporary understanding has more to do with these proclamations that were made by various presidents,” explained Paul Durica, the Chicago History Museum’s director of exhibitions.
The holiday was observed on-and-off for years, and President James Madison issued proclamations in 1814 and 1815 , but it wasn’t until Oct. 3, 1863 when President Lincoln, in the midst of the Civil War, set aside the last Thursday of November to give thanks.
“The year that is drawing to a close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies,” he wrote , calling the nation’s people and its prosperity “gracious gifts.”