Thanksgiving is one of America’s most cherished holidays, known for its rich traditions, family gatherings, and, of course, the iconic meal. While the sides and desserts often get their moment of fame, the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table has long been the turkey.
But why turkey? Why not another bird, like chicken or duck, or even something more exotic?
The answer to this question lies in a fascinating blend of history, practicality, and symbolism, with turkey eventually rising to prominence as the bird of choice for Thanksgiving.
Let’s take a deep dive into the history of why turkey became the star of this holiday meal.
The Early Days of Thanksgiving and the Role of Wild Turkey
The roots of Thanksgiving trace back to the early 17th century when English pilgrims, seeking religious freedom, made their way to the New World. In 1621, the Plymouth colony in present-day Massachusetts celebrated a feast that would later be known as the “First Thanksgiving.” This three-day event, which was attended by both the pilgrims and the Wampanoag people, was a mix of traditional English foods and Native American ingredients.
However, while turkey is often said to be the featured bird at that first feast, the historical evidence isn’t entirely clear. According to the accounts of the time, the menu likely included wildfowl, venison, seafood, corn, squash, and other seasonal vegetables, but there is no definitive mention of turkey.
Wild turkeys were certainly present in the region, as they were native to North America, but so were ducks, geese, and other birds. Still, it is likely that wild turkey played some role in the meal, as it was abundant and a valuable source of meat for the settlers.
For many years after the initial Thanksgiving, turkey didn’t have the same prominent role. As settlers spread across the continent, different regions had their own preferred meats for holiday feasts. In some areas, the bird of choice might have been duck or goose. It wasn’t until the 19th century that turkey began to take on its status as the primary dish of the Thanksgiving meal.
The Evolution of Turkey as the Thanksgiving Bird
In the years following the Pilgrims’ first feast, wild turkey remained a common source of protein for early settlers, especially in the northeastern United States. The bird was large and hearty, capable of feeding a family, and it was abundant in forests and fields.
But as American agriculture grew, so did the production of domesticated poultry. By the early 1800s, turkeys began to be raised on farms, making them even more accessible for family meals.
It was during this time, in the early 19th century, that turkey began to emerge as the standard for Thanksgiving dinners. While many people still ate other types of fowl, such as duck and goose, the turkey began to take center stage, largely due to its size.
Turkeys were large enough to feed large gatherings—something that was essential as families grew and communal feasts became more common. Furthermore, the turkey’s mild flavor made it adaptable to a variety of cooking methods and side dishes, making it a versatile and appealing choice.
One of the most important milestones in the evolution of turkey as the Thanksgiving bird came with the publication of Sarah Josepha Hale’s cookbook, “Northwood,” in 1827. Hale, a prominent writer and editor, is often credited with popularizing many of the Thanksgiving traditions we still observe today, including the turkey as the star of the feast. In her book, she described a New England-style Thanksgiving dinner, which included roast turkey as a central feature.
Hale’s advocacy for Thanksgiving as a national holiday further solidified the connection between turkey and the holiday. She was a tireless campaigner for a national Thanksgiving observance, and in 1863, her efforts paid off when President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. By this time, turkey had already become closely associated with the holiday in the minds of many Americans.
The Symbolism of the Turkey
Beyond its practical qualities, turkey came to symbolize abundance and the harvest, both central themes of the Thanksgiving holiday. Unlike other birds, which might be too small to feed a large family, the turkey could be roasted, stuffed, and served as the main course, offering a feast for all. Its size and prominence on the dinner table came to represent the prosperity of the harvest season.
Moreover, the turkey had symbolic significance in the growing American identity. During the 19th century, the turkey was seen as a uniquely American bird. Unlike the European tradition of eating domesticated birds like chickens and geese, turkeys were native to North America. This made them a patriotic symbol, aligning with the idea of celebrating the nation’s bounty.
In fact, Benjamin Franklin once famously proposed the turkey as the national bird of the United States, though his suggestion was never adopted. Nonetheless, his endorsement further cemented the turkey’s place in American culture.
By the mid-19th century, turkey had become an integral part of Thanksgiving, and as the holiday spread across the country, so did the tradition of serving turkey. As Thanksgiving became a time for families to gather, share in the harvest, and celebrate the blessings of the year, turkey naturally became the bird of choice for these meals.
The Industrialization of Turkey Farming
As Thanksgiving continued to grow in popularity, so did the demand for turkeys. By the early 20th century, advances in agriculture and farming techniques helped to meet this demand. The advent of commercial turkey farming made it easier and more affordable for families to enjoy a turkey dinner without the need for hunting or raising the birds themselves.
Farmers began selectively breeding turkeys for size and meat production, creating birds that were both larger and more tender.
In the post-World War II era, the turkey industry saw further growth. With improved refrigeration and transportation systems, turkeys could be raised in one region and shipped across the country. This helped make turkey a staple of American diets, not just for Thanksgiving but for other holidays and special occasions as well. By the 1950s, turkey had firmly established itself as the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal, and today, nearly 90% of American households consume turkey on Thanksgiving Day.
The industrialization of turkey farming also led to changes in the way turkeys are produced. While traditional free-range farming still exists, the majority of turkeys in the U.S. are now raised on large commercial farms.
These farms specialize in breeding turkeys that grow quickly and yield a high amount of meat, making them more efficient for large-scale production. While these changes have helped make turkey affordable and accessible, they have also raised concerns about animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Modern Day Turkey: A Thanksgiving Staple
Today, turkey remains at the heart of Thanksgiving celebrations across the United States. The bird is often roasted, though it can also be deep-fried, smoked, or prepared in other ways. Families might add their own personal touch to the meal, from brining the turkey to using unique stuffing recipes or preparing side dishes that highlight regional ingredients.
The tradition of eating turkey on Thanksgiving is so ingrained in American culture that it’s hard to imagine the holiday without it. Each year, millions of turkeys are consumed during Thanksgiving celebrations, with Americans collectively spending billions of dollars on the bird.
The tradition continues to evolve, with many households opting for smaller turkeys or even alternative proteins like ham or vegetarian dishes. Nonetheless, turkey remains the undisputed king of the Thanksgiving table.
Conclusion
The history of turkey at Thanksgiving is a story of practicality, symbolism, and tradition. From its early days as a wild bird in the forests of North America to its rise as the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast, turkey has come to represent much more than just a source of food. It symbolizes abundance, national identity, and the spirit of togetherness that defines Thanksgiving.
Today, as we gather around the table to celebrate this cherished holiday, turkey continues to reign as the ultimate symbol of American Thanksgiving tradition. And for millions of Americans, a Thanksgiving dinner without turkey simply wouldn’t be the same.