The Thanksgiving Proclamation Myth: No President Made it a Permanent Holiday in 1836
The idea that a president declared Thanksgiving a permanent national holiday in 1836 is a common misconception. While the year 1836 holds some significance in the history of Thanksgiving, no president made it a permanent national holiday then, or even close to then. The story is far more nuanced and complex.
Understanding the Evolution of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving celebrations, rooted in harvest festivals and days of giving thanks, have existed in various forms for centuries in North America. However, these celebrations were largely local or regional affairs, not nationwide events mandated by the federal government.
Early Presidential Proclamations:
Several presidents, beginning with George Washington, issued proclamations recommending days of Thanksgiving. These were symbolic gestures, encouraging national unity and reflection, but they didn't establish a permanent, annual federal holiday. These proclamations were often tied to specific events or circumstances and weren't consistently observed across the country.
Sarah Josepha Hale's Campaign:
A significant figure in the push for a national Thanksgiving holiday was Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of Godey's Lady's Book. For decades, starting in the 1840s, she tirelessly lobbied presidents, urging them to establish a fixed, annual Thanksgiving celebration. Her efforts helped to galvanize public support for a national holiday.
Lincoln and the First Nationwide Thanksgiving:
President Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, during the Civil War, issued a proclamation designating the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving. This was a significant step, but it was still a one-time proclamation, not a permanent establishment of the holiday.
The Role of 1836:
1836 doesn't mark a pivotal point in the history of Thanksgiving's federal recognition. No president issued a proclamation establishing a national Thanksgiving holiday that year. The claim that one did is inaccurate.
Finally, a Permanent National Holiday:
It wasn't until 1941, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, that Thanksgiving became a permanent national holiday, officially fixed on the fourth Thursday of November. Roosevelt's action built upon the decades-long efforts of individuals like Sarah Josepha Hale and the growing public desire for a consistent national celebration of Thanksgiving.
In Conclusion:
The notion that a president established Thanksgiving as a permanent national holiday in 1836 is incorrect. The holiday's evolution was a gradual process, spanning decades, culminating in its official establishment in 1941. The misconception likely stems from a confusion of dates and a misunderstanding of the historical context surrounding the development of Thanksgiving as a national celebration. The narrative is rich with individuals and events crucial to its development, but 1836 is not among them.
