Recommended

Thanksgiving: 6 facts to know about how the modern-day holiday came to be

Washington issued the first U.S. Thanksgiving proclamation

George Washington
George Washington | Public Domain

President George Washington issued the first presidential Thanksgiving proclamation in U.S. history in 1789.

Washington's proclamation noted that it was "the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor."

Get Our Latest News for FREE

Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know.

"I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be," stated the proclamation.

The first Thanksgiving proclamation did not create an annual November holiday tradition, as Washington later issued a similar proclamation in February 1795 to celebrate the defeat of a tax revolt in Pennsylvania.

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

By making a recurring donation or a one-time donation of any amount, you're helping to keep CP's articles free and accessible for everyone.

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles. Return to homepage.

Most Popular

More Articles