This waypoint marks the site of the First Thanksgiving at the Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims seem to go together, just like Christmas and Santa Claus, but the truth is the Pilgrims never held an autumnal Thanksgiving feast. Before you cancel the turkey, take a look at the origin of that particular myth. In some ways, the truth is even more intriguing.

The Pilgrims did have a feast in 1621, after their first harvest, and it is this feast which people often refer to as "The First Thanksgiving". This feast was never repeated, though, so it can't be called the beginning of a tradition, nor was it termed by the colonists or "Pilgrims" a Thanksgiving Feast. In fact, to these devoutly religious people, a day of thanksgiving was a day of prayer and fasting, and would have been held any time that they felt an extra day of thanks was called for. Nevertheless, the 1621 feast has become a model that we think of for our own Thanksgiving celebration.

Here is an account of the event given by Edward Winslow, a member of the Plimoth community:

"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, Many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest King Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

This year I am especially thankful for my family and friends, who shower me with more love than I deserve. I am thankful for the safety and security and comfort in which I live, and am mindful of those who are less fortunate. I am thankful for the sacrifices made by US Troops serving abroad, and hope fervently for their speedy return to their families. I am thankful for the job I still love going to each day and for the many activities and pastimes that fill my days with fun (geocaching among them).

Bonus Waypoint - N40 46.909, W 073 58.302 - The starting point of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Information about the first Thanksgiving comes from pilgrims.net