Why is the Turkey the Star of Thanksgiving? The True History Behind the Tradition

Here are three key reasons why the turkey became the centerpiece of “Turkey Day”:

1. It Was Practical and Plentiful

For any large holiday gathering, the main course needs to feed a crowd—and that’s where the turkey shines.

• A Perfect Size for a Feast: Unlike chickens or geese, a single turkey is large enough to feed an extended family or large group, making it the ideal choice for an annual harvest celebration.

• A “Disposable” Meat Source: In the 18th and 19th centuries, cows and chickens were too valuable to slaughter for a one-off meal, as they produced milk and eggs, respectively. Turkeys, however, were raised primarily for meat and were easier to sacrifice for a special occasion than other farm animals.

• Affordable American Fowl: Compared to other large meats, turkeys were generally more affordable and readily available throughout the growing country, helping to solidify their status as a democratic dish for the common family.

2. An Icon of American Identity

Unlike the beef, pork, and lamb brought over by European settlers, the turkey is native to North America. This simple fact helped elevate the bird to iconic status as the holiday evolved.

Founding Father Benjamin Franklin even famously extolled the virtues of the wild turkey in a letter, calling it a “much more respectable bird” than the Bald Eagle! While he never actually proposed it as the national symbol, his high regard for the bird reflected a growing sentiment that the turkey was a symbol of the new world—a fitting centerpiece for a uniquely American tradition.

3. The Vision of Sarah Josepha Hale

The true champion who cemented the turkey’s place in history was not a Pilgrim, but a magazine editor named Sarah Josepha Hale. Often called the “Godmother of Thanksgiving,” Hale was an influential writer and editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, one of the most popular publications of the time.

Hale used her platform to campaign tirelessly for nearly 40 years to establish Thanksgiving as a unified national holiday. In her writings, including her 1827 novel Northwood, she consistently described a picturesque New England Thanksgiving featuring a roasted turkey at the head of the table.

Her vivid, romantic depictions of the holiday menu became the template for celebrations across the country. When President Abraham Lincoln finally declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, during the Civil War, he essentially adopted the traditions that Hale had popularized—and the turkey became a non-negotiable part of the American holiday experience.

Ready for a Fun Thanksgiving Activity?

Whether you’re teaching the history of the holiday or just need a quiet activity while the turkey is roasting, we have a freebie for your little learners!

Get your FREE “Turkey Color By Number” Page!

This fun, printable activity is perfect for children ages 3-7 and will help them practice number and color recognition skills. Just click the link below and provide your email address to download this free lead magnet!

Helping Children Love Learning (and Turkeys!)

At Miss Anna’s Class, we believe nurturing curiosity is the best way to prepare children for kindergarten success. The science they learn creates an excitement for learning more! The phonics and phonemic awareness launches them into reading…and as the class year continues, their confidence grows as they practice their reading skills.

The skills learned in Miss Anna’s Class puts children ahead of their peers as they enter kindergarten, helping them start at the top and have an upward trajectory from the start. If you are not sure that your child is ready for kindergarten, Miss Anna’s Class is an incredibly easy way to guarantee that they will be.

👉 Save this idea on Pinterest so you’ll have it ready for your next homeschool lesson or rainy-day project!

For more craft ideas, thematic video lessons for children ages 3-7 about the Ocean, Space, Forests, Polar Habitats, the Desert, Rainforest, African Savanna—and with stellar phonics and reading instruction—go to https://www.missannasclass.com/.