What president made Thanksgiving an annual holiday? This question often stirs curiosity among history enthusiasts and trivia buffs alike. The answer lies in the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln, who played a pivotal role in establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday in the United States.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, signed a proclamation on October 3, 1863, declaring Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. This decision was influenced by a variety of factors, including the country’s ongoing Civil War and the need for national unity.
The idea of making Thanksgiving a national holiday had been circulating for several years before Lincoln’s proclamation. The tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving had been observed in various forms since the 17th century, with the first official Thanksgiving celebration taking place in 1621. However, it was not until the early 19th century that the idea of a national Thanksgiving holiday gained traction.
Several states had already declared Thanksgiving as a state holiday, and a movement led by Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent writer and editor, pushed for the creation of a national Thanksgiving holiday. Hale had been advocating for a national Thanksgiving celebration since the 1830s, writing letters to presidents and publishing articles in her magazine, Godey’s Lady’s Book.
Lincoln’s proclamation was a response to the nation’s dire situation during the Civil War. He believed that a day of thanksgiving and national unity would help to bolster the spirits of the American people and encourage them to continue fighting for the Union. The proclamation read, in part:
“The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.”
Lincoln’s Thanksgiving proclamation was met with widespread acclaim and has since become a cherished tradition in the United States. The holiday serves as a time for families to gather, give thanks for their blessings, and reflect on the nation’s history and values.
In conclusion, it was President Abraham Lincoln who made Thanksgiving an annual holiday. His proclamation in 1863 helped to unite the nation during a time of crisis and established a cherished tradition that continues to be celebrated across the United States today.
