The Real Thanksgiving Origin

While the Pilgrims' feast in 1621 is widely recognized, it wasn't until the 19th century that Thanksgiving became an official annual event.

Sarah Josepha Hale, a prolific writer and editor, played a pivotal role in advocating for Thanksgiving as a national holiday. In the mid-19th century, Hale began a campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a unifying national celebration. She believed that designating a specific day for gratitude and reflection would contribute to the nation's unity during a time of division.

For 36 years, Hale tirelessly wrote editorials and letters to influential politicians, including several U.S. presidents, urging them to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday. Her efforts finally paid off when, in 1863, after more than 50,000 American casualties at the Battle of Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln heeded her call. In the midst of the Civil War, Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving as a national holiday, hoping it would foster a sense of unity and gratitude among Americans. 

On October 3, 1863, President Lincoln issued the proclamation, “I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, …to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving…” 

Hale's dedication and persistence in promoting Thanksgiving as a national holiday highlight the power of an individual's advocacy in shaping cultural traditions. While her name may not be as widely recognized today, Sarah Josepha Hale played a crucial role in solidifying Thanksgiving as an annual event, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and unity in the fabric of American society.

Historic Holiday Prints

Exciting news! Our timeless Historic Holiday prints are now up for grabs.

With the festive season just around the corner, why not gift your loved ones a slice of history? 

Our historic prints are not just presents; they're unique, heartwarming tokens destined to be cherished for years. To guarantee these special prints land under the tree in time for Christmas, place your order ASAP. 'Tis the season for historic delights!

New Images Added

• Alamance County North Carolina in the year 1960. View of Elon University fka Elon College located in Elon North Carolina in 1960.

• Harrison County Ohio in the year 1959. View of Cadiz Ohio in 1959.

• Onslow County North Carolina in the 1960's (years 1960 and 1961). View of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune located in Jacksonville North Carolina in the year 1960.

• Randolph County West Virginia in the 1950's (years 1956 and 1958). View of Davis and Elkins College located in Elkins West Virginia in the year 1958.

• Northampton County North Carolina in the year 1959. View of Jackson North Carolina in 1959.

• Chippewa County Michigan in the 1980's (years 1986, 1987 and 1988). View of Lake Superior State University fka Lake Superior State College located in Sault Sainte Marie Michigan in the year 1987.

• Fentress County Tennessee in the 1950's (years 1958 and 1959). View of Jamestown Tennessee in the year 1959.

• Robeson County North Carolina in the year 1960. View of University of North Carolina at Pembroke UNCP fka Pembroke State College located in Pembroke North Carolina in 1960.

• Issaquena County Mississippi in the year 1956. View of Mayersville Mississippi in 1956.

• Guilford County North Carolina. These images include a view of War Memorial Stadium aka World War Memorial Stadium located in Greensboro North Carolina in 1959.

• Marion County Tennessee in the year 1961. View of Jasper Tennessee in 1961.

The Mystery Spot

Alright, Aerial Investigators! 

Last newsletter's mystery location was Antelope Canyon. Located in the heart of the Navajo Nation in Arizona, this mesmerizing slot canyon is renowned for its stunning, narrow passageways and undulating, sculpted sandstone walls. The canyon, formed by the erosion of Navajo sandstone over centuries, attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the world, offering a unique play of light and shadows that transforms its colors and textures throughout the day.

Ready for a new discovery? See if you can figure out this week’s mystery location.

Connect With Us

We’d love to get to know you! Find us on social media and let us know your favorite city to see through the ages.