The Story of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American Holiday, celebrated by citizens of both Canada and the United States. The first Thanksgiving feast was held when a friendly indian named Squanto told the Pilgrims that an indian chief named Massasoit, of the Wampanoag tribe would like to meet them. The meeting between indians and the pilgrims was arranged and the chief received a warm welcome. Governor Carver joined the meeting and a feast was served. Both sides wanted to have peace and after the feast they forged a peace treaty where they agreed to live in peace and to help each other in case of attack.

Squanto decided to stay with the Pilgrims. He taught them how to plant corn and it became a major ingredient in their survival. He also taught them how to fish, about wild herbs and berries and which ones were safe to eat. He also taught them how to trade with the Indians for beaver furs. They were soon joined by another Indian named Hobomok who helped them.

The Pilgrims who sailed for the new world were very brave. They sailed in spite of another group who had set out for Virginia before them. Out of180 passengers only 50 had lived to complete the voyage. The Pilgrims had faced delay and problems in London. before the two ships were ready to sail. It was September before they sailed in two ships, the Mayflower and the smaller Speedwell. The Speedwell proved to be unseaworthy and some of the passengers had to be left behind. The rest crowded aboard the Mayflower.

There were 102 men, women and children on the Mayflower when it set sail. The delay reduced their chances, because it was so late in the year. The weather was much worse in the fall, making it a much longer and more miserable voyage. Their arrival was to late to plant crops and they didn't have many supplies. Since most of the men were farmers and craftsmen, they didn't know anything about fishing or living off the land. They also didn't know anything about trading with the indians or trapping and hunting, but they did have a brave and determined spirit.