Faith, Fellowship, and Gratitude: The True Story of the First Thanksgiving

Introduction

The First Thanksgiving is often misrepresented, with some claiming it was a celebration marking the end of King Philip’s War. However, historical evidence demonstrates that the First Thanksgiving occurred decades before the war, rooted in gratitude for survival and provision rather than military victory. Additionally, the Puritan movement’s theological framework shaped their interactions with Native Americans, leading them to view indigenous peoples as potential converts rather than obstacles to colonial expansion. This article explores the true origins of Thanksgiving, the Puritan mission, and the impact of King Philip’s War on the Pilgrims, clarifying whether they were active colonizers or caught in the conflict due to the expansion of other colonies.

The First Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Survival and Providence

The First Thanksgiving took place in the autumn of 1621, following the Pilgrims’ first successful harvest in Plymouth Colony. (1) After enduring a brutal winter that claimed the lives of 45 out of the 102 passengers aboard the Mayflower, the Pilgrims, joined by the Wampanoag people, gathered for a three-day feast to give thanks for God’s provision. This event was not a formalized holiday but rather a spontaneous act of thanksgiving, reflecting the Puritan practice of setting aside days to acknowledge divine blessings.

Contrary to the claim that Thanksgiving was a celebration of victory in King Philip’s War, the First Thanksgiving occurred over five decades before the war began. The confusion likely arises from the fact that colonial authorities declared a day of thanksgiving in 1676 following the war’s conclusion. However, this later observance was distinct from the 1621 feast and carried a different meaning.

The Puritan Movement and Their View of Native Americans

The Puritans emerged in the late 16th century as a reformist group within the Church of England, seeking to purify Christian worship from perceived Catholic influences. (2) Their theological framework was deeply rooted in biblical typology, leading some Puritans to view Native Americans as descendants of the lost tribes of Israel. This belief influenced their missionary efforts, as they saw indigenous peoples as potential converts rather than enemies to be exterminated.

Puritan literature and sermons often framed their journey to the New World as a continuation of biblical narratives, likening their struggles to those of the Israelites in the wilderness. This perspective motivated them to evangelize Native Americans, establishing missionary efforts such as John Eliot’s translation of the Bible into the Algonquian language. While conflicts did arise, the Puritans generally sought to integrate Native Americans into Christian society rather than eradicate them.

The Pilgrims and Colonization: Were They Expansionists?

The Pilgrims, who settled Plymouth Colony in 1620, were distinct from the larger Puritan movement that later established the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Unlike the Puritans, who arrived in greater numbers and actively sought to expand their settlements, the Pilgrims were primarily focused on survival rather than territorial expansion. Their initial interactions with the Wampanoag were largely peaceful, facilitated by the alliance with Massasoit, the Wampanoag leader.

While the Pilgrims did acquire land, they did so through negotiations rather than outright conquest. The expansionist policies that led to King Philip’s War were largely driven by the Massachusetts Bay Colony and other New England settlements, which aggressively sought to control more territory. The Pilgrims, by contrast, were caught in the conflict due to their proximity to the war’s epicenter rather than being primary instigators of colonial expansion. (3)

King Philip’s War: Causes and Consequences

King Philip’s War (1675–1678) was one of the most devastating conflicts in early American history, arising from tensions between English settlers and Native American tribes. (4) The war was named after Metacom (King Philip), the Wampanoag leader who sought to resist colonial expansion and preserve his people’s way of life. The conflict resulted in widespread destruction, with settlements burned and populations displaced.

For the Pilgrims and other colonists, the war had profound consequences. Many settlers abandoned their towns, seeking refuge in more secure areas. The war also marked a turning point in colonial-Native relations, leading to increased militarization and a shift in attitudes toward indigenous peoples. While some Puritans continued missionary efforts, others viewed Native Americans with greater suspicion following the conflict. (5)

Conclusion

The First Thanksgiving was a celebration of gratitude and fellowship, held decades before King Philip’s War. Unlike the later arrivals in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the Plymouth settlers were not aggressive expansionists but were drawn into the conflict as a result of the broader colonial push for land. Motivated by their theological convictions, the Puritans aimed to convert Native Americans rather than eradicate them, though tensions inevitably arose. While King Philip’s War reshaped colonial society, it was not the origin of Thanksgiving. Recognizing these historical nuances helps us appreciate the true significance of the First Thanksgiving and the complex relationship between Puritans and Native Americans.