Welcome back to another Tavern History Tuesday!

Today, we're diving into the rich history of Thanksgiving, a holiday beloved for its sense of togetherness, gratitude, and, of course, incredible feasts!

Thanksgiving’s roots trace back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people came together for a three-day feast to celebrate a successful harvest. While their gathering was far from what we imagine today—turkey wasn’t even the centerpiece!—this moment became a symbol of cooperation and gratitude.

By the 1700s, Thanksgiving had evolved into a regional tradition in New England, where families marked the day with church services and communal meals. Unlike the turkey-filled tables of today, these early celebrations featured wild game like venison and duck, along with seasonal vegetables, pies, and hearty stews. While Thanksgiving wasn’t yet a nationwide holiday, its emphasis on sharing food and giving thanks began to spread across the colonies.

Fast forward to 1863: in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, uniting a divided nation in a day of reflection and gratitude. From that point forward, Americans began gathering with loved ones each year to enjoy a feast and reflect on the blessings of the past year—a tradition that echoes to this day.

At 1710 Tavern, we love to imagine how Thanksgiving might have been celebrated in our historic building during the 18th and 19th centuries. Long tables adorned with candlelight, rustic dishes, and heartfelt laughter likely filled rooms much like ours, embodying the same warmth and joy we aim to provide today.

As we approach another Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for all of you—our guests, friends, and community—who make this place so special. May your Thanksgiving be filled with the same gratitude and connection that has made this holiday endure through the centuries.

Happy Thanksgiving!