Facebook Twitter Email
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2002

In 1621, the first Thanksgiving was reportedly held. But there are only two documented accounts, written by white settlers, of the three-day feast among members of the Wampanoag Tribe and the Pilgrims.

So the left is rest up to the imagination. Wampanoag chief Massasoit attended but there's no indication why, said a Wampanoag researcher.

There was probably some sort of fowl served but not turkey, said a historian. Massasoit is believed to have brought five deer, though.

Today's vision of Thanksgiving, with its cranberries, potatoes and pumpkin pies, is largely the vision of Sarah Josepha Hale, a 19th century' predecessor to Martha Stewart who popularized those foods in her magazine.

Get the Story:
The first Thanksgiving (The Christian Science Monitor 11/27)