What President Made Thanksgiving a Federal Holiday?

Thanksgiving, a day of gratitude and celebration, holds a special place in the hearts of Americans. It is a time when families come together to share a feast, express their thanks, and reflect on the blessings they have received. But have you ever wondered which president made Thanksgiving a federal holiday? The answer may surprise you.

In 1863, during the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln played a pivotal role in establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday. On October 3, 1863, Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring Thanksgiving to be a national day of thanksgiving and prayer. This proclamation marked the first time that Thanksgiving was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States.

The idea of making Thanksgiving a national holiday had been circulating for several years before Lincoln’s proclamation. It was initially proposed by Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent writer and editor, who had been advocating for the establishment of a national day of thanksgiving since the 1830s. Hale believed that such a day would bring the nation together and foster a spirit of unity and gratitude.

Lincoln’s decision to make Thanksgiving a federal holiday was not only influenced by Hale’s efforts but also by the need to unite a nation divided by war. The Civil War had taken a heavy toll on the country, and Lincoln saw Thanksgiving as an opportunity to bring Americans together in a spirit of thankfulness and reconciliation. He wanted to remind the nation of the importance of gratitude and the many blessings they had to be thankful for, despite the hardships they were facing.

Since then, Thanksgiving has been celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. The holiday has become a time for families to gather, share a meal, and express their gratitude for the people and things they hold dear. The tradition of the Thanksgiving feast, which typically includes roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, has become a symbol of the holiday’s spirit of abundance and thankfulness.

In conclusion, it was President Abraham Lincoln who made Thanksgiving a federal holiday. His proclamation in 1863 was a significant step in uniting the nation and fostering a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness. Today, Thanksgiving remains a cherished tradition that brings families and friends together to celebrate and give thanks for the many blessings in their lives.