The pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 and settled in America, struggling through a harsh first winter. After their first successful harvest, the pilgrims had an abundant supply of corn, fruits, and vegetables. Governor William Bradford declared a Thanksgiving celebration and invited the neighboring Native Americans to join. Thanksgiving later became a national holiday designated by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.

1. By: Chris Kadjan Thanksgiving

2. In 1620, the pilgrims came to America on a boat called The Mayflower, and settled, trying to make a good life for themselves

3. After settling in America, the pilgrims found that it was hard to live through the harsh weather conditions.

4. But………. After a very hard first year, the fall harvest was plentiful with lots of corn, fruits, and vegetables. The pilgrims also began to catch fish, and obtain meat.

5. The Pilgrims started to settle into their new home. They began to build homes in the wilderness, they grew enough crops to keep them alive during the coming winter, and they were at peace with their Indian neighbors.

6. With the Pilgrims flourishing in the new world, their governor William Bradford, decided to proclaim a day of Thanksgiving.

7. Thanksgiving was shared with not only the Pilgrims, but the neighboring Indians were invited as well.

8. Thanksgiving was celebrated after harvest for through the years, but during the American Revolution it was suggested as a national holiday by Congress.

9. In 1817, New York decided to have Thanksgiving as an annual holiday. In the 1920’s New York decided to have a parade to celebrate the holiday. The parade is also the first time that Santa Clause is seen before Thanksgiving.

10. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln decided to have Thanksgiving become a national holiday.

11. Thanksgiving is celebrated every year usually on the fourth weekend in November. The reason this is the date is because Thanksgiving is to be celebrated after the harvest.

12. Fun Facts The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog. The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days. The pilgrims didn't use forks; they ate with spoons, knives, and their fingers.

13. Citation All pictures taken from Getty Images, the credit goes to: Peter Dazeley, Jeffrey Coolidge, Andrew Holt, Bally Scanlon, Joe Sohm, Patti McConville, SuperStock, and Kate Mathis. The sounds used in this presentation are courtesy of Microsoft PowerPoint. Wilson, Jerry. &quot;The Thanksgiving Story&quot;. Wilstar. 10/15/2009 <http://wilstar.com/holidays/thankstr.htm>.