TRENTON, NJ — While the traditional narrative of Thanksgiving traces its origins to the Plymouth colony in 1621, New Jersey’s contribution to the establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday is a significant, yet often overlooked, piece of history. It was in 1789 when New Jersey Congressional Representative Elias Boudinot played a pivotal role in proposing a day of public thanksgiving, leading to President George Washington’s proclamation of a national day of gratitude.
Boudinot’s proposal was a call for the young nation to express gratitude for the successful establishment of the new government following the American Revolution. His advocacy reflects New Jersey’s influence in the early political fabric of the United States. When Boudinot brought the idea to the national stage, it resonated with the desire to unite the country and recognize its collective accomplishments and blessings.
President George Washington, acknowledging the proposal, issued a proclamation declaring November 26, 1789, as a “Day of Publick Thanksgivin” — the first time Thanksgiving was celebrated under the new Constitution. This proclamation by Washington set a precedent, but Thanksgiving did not immediately become an annual tradition. It was celebrated sporadically over the next few decades, with each state observing the day at its discretion.
The concept of a national Thanksgiving Day was solidified during the Civil War, largely due to the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale. Her campaign led to President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation, which set the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving. This proclamation marked the transformation of Thanksgiving into a national annual holiday, as it is known today.
While Massachusetts’ Plymouth colony is often credited with the first Thanksgiving celebration, New Jersey’s role in establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday is a testament to the state’s historical significance. Boudinot’s initiative and Washington’s subsequent proclamation were key steps in the evolution of Thanksgiving from a regional celebration to a national holiday.
As families across New Jersey and the United States gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s a moment to reflect not only on the historical roots in Plymouth but also on New Jersey’s critical role in shaping this national day of gratitude and unity. This intertwining of local and national histories underscores the diverse origins of American traditions and the contributions of different states in shaping our national narrative.