George Washington 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 implore his protection and favor.” This was stated at the beginning of his Thanksgiving Day proclamation, which he issued on October 3, 1789. Through the proclamation, Washington assigned the country’s first Thanksgiving Day to take place Nov. 26 so that Americans as a whole could “unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks.”
However, for the next 74 years, this “more perfect Union” was less than perfect in celebrating simultaneously. Thanksgiving Day across the States was generally celebrated at any given time between October and January. Regardless, Americans now had a day to set aside to focus solely on being thankful for their blessings. But what would this day look like?…