The Thanksgiving holiday holds a significant place in American history, but its essence continues to evolve with each passing generation. In modern times, it serves as a reminder to pause and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. As we instill a sense of thankfulness in our classrooms, why not liven up the atmosphere with some fun and informative Thanksgiving facts? These facts could even be used to create an engaging trivia game for students to enjoy.
1. The Pilgrims settled in an area that had been inhabited by Native Americans for over 12,000 years.
– Before the Pilgrims arrived in the United States in 1620, Native American tribes, such as the Wampanoag people, had resided in the region for thousands of years.
2. The Pilgrims and Native Americans made a treaty of mutual protection.
– Despite initial conflicts, a treaty of mutual protection was established in 1621 between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag leader, Massasoit.
3. Native Americans celebrated various days of thanksgiving long before the arrival of the Pilgrims.
– Native people had their own traditions of thanksgiving, such as “Strawberry Thanksgiving” and “Green Corn Thanksgiving.”
4. In the fall of 1621, Native Americans joined the Pilgrims in their Harvest Home celebration.
– After a successful harvest, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people came together to celebrate with feasting and entertainment.
5. Americans started observing national days of thanksgiving in 1777.
– The first national day of thanksgiving in the United States was declared to commemorate a victory over the British in the Battle of Saratoga.
6. Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the first official national Thanksgiving holiday in 1863.
– After years of advocacy by Sarah Josepha Hale, President Lincoln officially established Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863.
7. Thanksgiving is America’s second-favorite holiday.
– Surveys show that Thanksgiving ranks as the second-favorite holiday among adults, trailing behind Christmas.
8. “Frozen” holds the record for the biggest Thanksgiving movie opening of all time.
– The Disney animated film set a new record in 2013 by earning $93 million domestically during the Thanksgiving weekend.
9. There are four American towns named “Turkey.”
– Four towns in the United States, located in Arizona, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Texas, share the name “Turkey.”
10. The turkey could have been America’s national bird.
– Benjamin Franklin advocated for the turkey to be the national bird instead of the bald eagle, believing it to be a more respectable bird.
These Thanksgiving facts offer a glimpse into the rich history and traditions surrounding this special holiday. Incorporating these facts into educational activities can make learning about Thanksgiving a fun and engaging experience for students.
