The Famous Thanksgiving and A Drought P2

The Pilgrims’ story is one of many, demonstrating that modern portrayals of the early colonists are often inaccurate. (By the way, this was not the first Thanksgiving in America. There had been several others prior to this one, but only on occasions of prayer.) This Pilgrim event birthed the tradition of Thanksgiving at a time that includes not only prayer but also feasting and athletic events.

Shortly after this celebration as winter was setting in, 35 new settlers unexpectedly arrived. They were family and friends of the Pilgrims, who gladly welcomed them. The new group brought no provisions with them, so the Pilgrims feely shared their own food, clothing, and homes. But with the new arrivals, the remaining winter supplies were cut to half allowance for each person. It was difficult, but thanks to Squanto’s help, they now better knew how to live in the New England wilderness and thus survive, having been more adequately prepared for this second winter.

Content sourced from The American Story, The Beginnings.  By: David Barton and Tim Barton