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The first Thanksgiving took place in 1621, probably between September 21 and November 11. After the first harvest was completed by the colonists in Plymouth, Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving and prayer, to which the neighboring Native American tribe members were invited.

The original Thanksgiving was most likely based on the harvest festivals that are a tradition in many parts of the world. It actually took place over three days, and would have included, songs, dancing and games.

There is nothing in the writings of the original colonists to confirm that turkey was on the menu, although wild turkeys were abundant in the area. The original menu consisted of venison, duck, goose, seafood, and eel, accompanied by white bread, corn bread, leeks, and watercress. The wine was made from wild grapes. Rather than pumpkin pie, dessert consisted of wild plums and dried berries.

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