Photo credit: www.govexec.com

George Washington’s First Thanksgiving: A Moment of National Reflection

George Washington’s inaugural Thanksgiving message aimed to forge unity in the nascent United States. On November 26, 1789, the president prepared for this significant day with great care. Assisted by his enslaved valets, including William “Billy” Lee and Christopher Sheels, Washington donned his finest attire before making the short journey from the President’s House to St. Paul’s Chapel in New York City.

This Thanksgiving was uniquely significant, as it marked the first such observance of his presidency. Washington issued a proclamation on October 3, 1789, encouraging Americans to celebrate “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.” His intent was clear: to rally the new nation amid potential divisions and instill a sense of collective commitment to the unity of the country.

The Historical Context of Thanksgiving

It is important to note that Washington’s Thanksgiving was not the first in American history. The original Thanksgiving occurred in 1621 at Plymouth Colony, where Pilgrims celebrated their first successful harvest alongside members of the Wampanoag tribe. Additionally, there had been a national Thanksgiving designated on December 18, 1777, under Washington’s command as a general, though this November 1789 event was emblematic of his presidential role.

Despite the rainy and gloomy weather of November 26, Washington made his way to church, but attendance was sparse. Washington himself noted in his diary that only a few brave souls ventured out for the service: “though it was most inclement and stormy,” there were “but few people at Church.”

Washington’s participation was marked by a personal touch; he donated a significant sum of his own money for food and drink to prisoners in a local jail, an act that resonated with the spirit of generosity inherent in the holiday. Subsequently, the prisoners expressed their gratitude through an advertisement, thanking Washington for his “very acceptable donation on Thursday last.”

A Political and Civic Vision

Though the attendance at the church service was minimal, the observance played a crucial role in Washington’s broader objective of fostering a government grounded in virtuous populism. His vision was not to galvanize anger or mob mentality but to connect genuinely with the American populace, participating meaningfully in shared customs and faith.

Washington’s Thanksgiving proclamation emphasized both religious devotion and civic responsibility. He called for a day devoted to honoring “that great and glorious Being” who embodies goodness. However, his underlying concern was political cohesion. At a time when the country was still finding its footing, he sought to cultivate a sense of unity among diverse factions and interests.

Addressing National Flaws

Washington was keenly aware of the complexities of the nation’s origins, recognizing that it was founded on principles intertwined with troubling histories of slavery and violence. In his proclamation, he implored God to “pardon our national and other transgressions.” His own legacy as a slave owner and military leader weighed heavily on him, and he did not shun the moral ambiguities of his position.

The president understood the power of his symbolic role. Rather than relying on modern means of communication, he engaged directly with his constituents, attending various public events, from civic gatherings to religious services. Each interaction stood as a testament to his commitment to his office and to the people of the United States.

Washington interacted with a wide array of citizens, including women, African American individuals, and diverse religious leaders. This engagement helped create a new political narrative that involved voices from various walks of life, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of the American identity.

In Pursuit of a Unified Governance

His Thanksgiving proclamation was a clear call for wise governance crafted from just and constitutional principles. “May God render our national government a blessing to all the people,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of laws being “discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed.”

Ultimately, Washington’s first Thanksgiving as president was not simply a holiday observance but a pivotal moment in his broader vision for a united nation. Through his actions and proclamations, he hoped to foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose among the American people.

For further insights and historical analysis, see contributions by Maurizio Valsania, a professor of American History at the Università di Torino.

Source
www.govexec.com