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History of Thanksgiving (5:33)

Although Thanksgiving celebrations dated back to the first European settlements in America, it was not until the 1860s that Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November to be a national holiday.

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Videos (8)

  • History of Thanksgiving
    History of Thanksgiving

    Video Clip (5:33)

    Although Thanksgiving celebrations dated back to the first European settlements in America, it was not until the 1860s that Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November to be a national holiday.

    Video Clip (5:33)
  • Mayflower: Deconstructed
    Mayflower: Deconstructed

    Video Clip (2:35)

    How many people were on the Mayflower? And how long did it take for them to get to Plymouth? Get the facts.

    Video Clip (2:35)
  • First Football Broadcast
    First Football Broadcast

    Video Clip (1:53)

    The University of Detroit Stadium hosted the first broadcasted Thanksgiving Day football game in 1934, pitting the Detroit Lions against the Chicago Bears and sparking a new tradition.

    Video Clip (1:53)
  • The Mayflower
    The Mayflower

    Video Clip (2:18)

    From the Pilgrims' reasons for leaving Europe to the treacherous journey across the Atlantic, musician and artist Jeffrey Lewis puts to song the story of the Mayflower.

    Video Clip (2:18)
  • Thanksgiving Turkey
    Thanksgiving Turkey

    Video Clip (3:35)

    In this Holiday Foods video clip we learn about Thanksgiving traditions and about turkey. David Rosengarten talks about a new trend that has come up with turkey. Today many people are deep frying their birds.

    Video Clip (3:35)
  • Pumpkin Pie
    Pumpkin Pie

    Video Clip (3:23)

    The Little Pie company in New York City bakes over 5,000 pumpkin pies every Thanksgiving.

    Video Clip (3:23)
  • Turkey Tech
    Turkey Tech

    Video Clip (1:14)

    At the Jennie-O turkey store, getting hens from the farm to your table is a highly specialized process.

    Video Clip (1:14)
  • Jennie-O Turkey
    Jennie-O Turkey

    Video Clip (1:30)

    Find out how the Jennie-O turkey store prepares for the Thanksgiving rush.

    Video Clip (1:30)

Photo Galleries (2)

  • Massachusetts
    Massachusetts

    9 Photos

    History.com's state gallery for Massachusetts. Learn more about the state symbols and famous landmarks.

    (9 Photos)
  • Native American Tribes and Cultures
    Native American Tribes and Cultures

    13 Photos

    Native American cultures in the United States include socially and geographically diverse groups.

    (13 Photos)

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