Harvest & Heartbreak
Dive into the rich, dynamic tale of American Thanksgiving, where stories of unity, struggle, myths, and memory intertwine. Discover how this holiday's meaning has shifted and sparked debate over time.
An Alliance of Necessity
The 1621 gathering was far more than a shared meal; it marked a precarious alliance between two struggling groups, each seeking aid for survival. This portion delves into the hardships that united the Wampanoag and English settlers.
The Wampanoag's World
For over 12,000 years, the Wampanoag, known as the 'People of the First Light,' flourished in a complex society. However, between 1616 and 1619, a deadly epidemic brought by European traders ravaged their communities, sparking a geopolitical upheaval.
~90%
Mortality Rate
The epidemic decimated up to 90% of coastal Indigenous peoples, leaving the Wampanoag confederacy fragile and exposed to the Narragansett.
To safeguard his people and reclaim the balance of power, Ousamequin saw an alliance with the newly arrived English and their firearms as essential.
The Colonists' Plight
The *Mayflower* carried 102 passengers who landed in November 1620, far off course. Their first winter brought harsh challenges—disease, hunger, and unfamiliarity with the land.
~50%
Survival Rate
By spring 1621, nearly half the colonists and crew had perished, leaving the Plymouth settlement close to ruin.
Governor John Carver saw a treaty with the Wampanoag as vital—providing protection and essential Indigenous knowledge for survival and farming.
Deconstructing the Feast
Today's Thanksgiving dinner looks quite different from the three-day harvest feast of 1621. Dive into the contrasts in cuisine, attire, and the event's evolving significance in American tradition.
The Menu: Then vs. Now
Select a category to explore 1621's seasonal wild foods alongside today's familiar dishes.
1621 Feast
Modern Dinner
Culinary Shift
The 1621 feast featured wild game and seafood, showcasing local resources. Modern meals highlight farm-raised turkey and uniform sides, many of which were unfeasible in the 17th century.
Forging a National Myth
For two centuries, the 1621 feast faded into obscurity. It was revived in the 1800s to craft a unifying origin tale for a nation torn by civil war. This timeline traces how a local tradition grew into a national celebration.
1827-1863
Sarah Josepha Hale's Crusade
1863
Lincoln's Proclamation
1941
A Date Set in Law
A National Day of Mourning
For many Indigenous communities, Thanksgiving brings sorrow, not celebration. It symbolizes colonization, violence, and the loss of their culture. The idealized story of harmony hides the harsh truths that came after.
The Unraveling Peace
The 1621 peace treaty lasted 50 years but faltered under colonial expansion. By 1675, King Philip's War broke out, killing 40% of the region's Native population and ending their sovereignty. In bitter irony, colonists marked military victories over Natives with 'thanksgiving' celebrations.
The Suppressed Speech of 1970
On the 350th anniversary of the Pilgrims' landing, Wampanoag leader Wamsutta (Frank) James was asked to give a speech. When officials reviewed his words, which revealed the harsh reality faced by his people, they censored it. He rejected their altered version.
"This may be a time of joy for you... but it is not a time of joy for me. My heart is heavy as I remember what befell my People... The Pilgrims had barely set foot on Cape Cod before they disturbed the resting places of my ancestors and took their corn, their wheat, and their beans... Yet, our spirit endures. Once, we walked forest trails and sandy shores. Now, we tread your paved roads and highways. We are rising. We stand not in our native homes but in your concrete shelters. We stand with strength and pride, and before us lies the promise of a new dawn. We will not be silenced."
— From the suppressed speech of Wamsutta Frank James
Rather than addressing the official banquet, James gave his speech on Cole's Hill in Plymouth, marking the start of the National Day of Mourning, a somber protest observed each Thanksgiving.
A Holiday of Contradictions
Grasping Thanksgiving means embracing its dual narratives. It's a tale of perseverance and colonization, of shared identity and deep inequity. The day invites gratitude, yet also calls for contemplation of a nation's intricate and often troubling past.