The Average American Doesn’t Know The Answers to These Simple Thanksgiving History Questions
Every year Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. This day is to express gratitude for all the blessings in their lives and spend quality time with friends and family. Everyone looks forward to enjoying a hearty autumn feast together. However, many Americans are not fully aware of the history behind this holiday. We have compiled a list of simple Thanksgiving history questions and answers that the average American doesn’t know. Take the quiz and test your knowledge.
When was the first Thanksgiving?
This celebration feast lasted for three days, and together the English and Wampanoag ate corn, deer, carrots, green beans, spinach, and seafood. Unlike today, our Thanksgiving feast is quite different, consisting of turkey and lovely potato dishes.
Answer
Autumn 1621: 52 English people and approximately 90 Wampanoag joined together in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to celebrate a successful harvest.
What Thanksgiving vegetable grew in space?
A Thanksgiving meal isn't complete without a delicious veggie side dish. What do you think it was tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, or onions?
Answer
Potatoes: The seeds were put inside the ISS’ computer-controlled growing chambers. These chambers have humidity and high-efficiency temperature controls with unique lighting and automation technology.
Why were there only 52 pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving?
The Mayflower set sail in September 1620 and traveled for 66 days until it finally arrived at Cape Cod on November 11, 1620.
Answer
The Mayflower was a cargo ship that carried 102 men, women, and children to the New World. They encountered harsh weather conditions, shelter, and food. Sadly, half of the passengers died due to illnesses such as fever, coughs, and other contagious diseases within the first winter. There were over 25 children and teenagers, four women, and 22 men who survived.
What date is Thanksgiving in the United States?
Unlike Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th regardless of which day of the week, it is not like that for Thanksgiving. Under the new constitution on October 3, 1789, President George Washington designated November 26 as a day of public prayer and thanksgiving. Future Thanksgiving proclamation dates and months varied, celebrating in February 1797 and April 1815.
Answer
It wasn’t until Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation on October 3, 1863, declared that Thanksgiving should be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.
Who thought of turkey for Thanksgiving dinner?
It was not until the mid-19th century that turkey became widely associated with this November holiday.
Answer
Sarah Josepha Hale known as the “Mother of Thanksgiving,” was an activist, American writer, and editor for a magazine in the period before the Civil War. Her novel, A Tale of New England, published in 1827, had a whole chapter devoted to a New England Thanksgiving meal with a delicious roast turkey at the head of the table.
Who pardoned the turkey?
Harry Truman was first credited for pardoning the turkey; however, that’s not true. He received a turkey and had it for dinner. John F. Kennedy let his turkey go, and Richard Nixon sent his turkey to a zoo.
Answer
In 1989, George H.W. Bush formalized the pardoning tradition.
When did Thanksgiving TV dinners start?
TV dinners are convenient for those who don’t want to cook or don’t know how to cook.
Answer
1954: Swanson's company had an extra 26 tons of frozen turkey. An assiduous worker suggested cooking them and repacking them with extra vegetables.
Can turkeys fly?
Ever wondered if turkeys can fly? Take a guess!
Answer
Yes: Wild turkeys can reach speeds of up to 55 mph over short distances. At dusk, they fly into trees to roost.
How many turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving day?
Some people are not a fan of turkey and would prefer to eat a different source of protein on Thanksgiving.
Answer
46 million: However, 88 percent of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving. That’s a lot of turkey.
Which American founding father is credited as calling turkeys “a bird of courage’?
Take a guess and test your knowledge.
- Thomas Jefferson
- George Washington
- Benjamin Franklin
- Patrick Henry
Answer
Benjamin Franklin: In his famous letter, he complained that the eagle’s popularity was misguided and the turkey was a more honorable bird and was native to America.
Who hosted the first Thanksgiving?
It is believed that the first Thanksgiving took place in 1621.
Answer
William Bradford: He was the leader of the Pilgrims and organized the three-day feast.
Did the Pilgrims refer to themselves as Pilgrims?
Pilgrims are known as people who travel to sacred places for religious reasons.
Answer
No: They called themselves "Separatists." Known as a group of people who separated themselves from a larger group.
How long was the Mayflower's voyage from England to America?
The Pilgrims left in September 1620 and arrived in November 1620. How many days was the journey?
Answer
66 days: The pilgrims were thrilled to put their feet on solid land.
What does football have to do with Thanksgiving?
Since 1920, the National Football League (NFL) has had scheduled games every Thanksgiving.
Answer
It started as a way to encourage sports enthusiasts to watch live games. This event has always been exciting and fun and brings family and friends together.
Which two NFL teams have played a game on Thanksgiving day since 1966?
Two popular teams have always played; can you guess who they are?
- San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Raiders
- Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys
- Indiana Colts and Denver Broncos
- Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs
Answer
Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys: In 1975 and 1977, the NFL allowed the St. Louis Cardinals to host the game to help boost the team’s popularity.
Which state raises the most turkeys?
In this state, turkey farming is a family tradition, with over 450 families rearing turkeys.
Answer
Minnesota: There are approximately 44 million turkeys reared around this state.
How many miles long is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade route?
The parade first took place in 1924, but how long is the route?
- 1.8 miles
- 2 miles
- 4.5 miles
- 2.5 miles
Answer
2.5 miles: The parade lasts for 3 hours. It begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon Eastern Standard Time outside Macy’s Herald Square. Furthermore, it’s free to attend so you and the family can enjoy the morning out.
What holiday takes place the day after Thanksgiving?
This national holiday is celebrated the day after Thanksgiving. Do you know what it’s called and why it takes place? Are you ready to answer these next simple Thanksgiving history questions?
Answer
Black Friday: This day is considered the kick-off day for Christmas shopping. Many retailers are open in the early hours of the morning and offer many deals at discounted prices. Cost-conscious buyers line up at the doors to be the first to grab those specials.
In which city is Macy's parade held?
More than 3.5 million people attend the parade live each year, and roughly 44 million watch it on TV each year.
Answer
New York City: Moreover, families wake up bright and early to hit the streets and be close to the front line to be blown away by the beautiful outfits and floats passing through the street.
What was featured in the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade?
Finally, we have our last question.
Answer
Puppets, Santa floats, clowns, and live animals: These were some of the first features from the Central Park Zoo. I hope you enjoyed this article. The average American doesn’t know the answers to these simple Thanksgiving history questions. Enjoy your Thanksgiving celebrations and bring out the trivia. Happy Thanksgiving!!
