When many Americans think of the first Thanksgiving, they envision a feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie shared between Pilgrims and Native Americans. However, the reality of the 1621 celebration in Plymouth was quite different. The menu likely reflected the natural bounty of New England at the time, including seafood, venison, and locally grown vegetables.
The First Thanksgiving: A Three-Day Celebration
The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was not the single-day event we celebrate today but a three-day festival marking the Pilgrims’ successful harvest. This celebration was a collaborative effort between the Plymouth settlers and the Wampanoag people, who played a critical role in teaching the newcomers how to cultivate crops and harvest the natural resources of their new home. Together, they shared a feast that likely included venison, duck, goose, fish, shellfish, lobster, mussels, and locally foraged fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
The Thanksgiving tradition we recognize today—complete with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce—did not become widespread until much later in American history.
The Evolution of Thanksgiving as a Holiday
Thanksgiving wasn’t declared a national holiday until President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation in 1863 during the Civil War. Before this, Thanksgiving celebrations were sporadic, often called to commemorate specific events. For instance, President George Washington declared a national day of thanks in 1789 to celebrate the U.S. Constitution. Lincoln’s proclamation helped establish Thanksgiving as an annual holiday, though it would take decades before the modern traditions we associate with it became widespread.
Why Seafood Was on the Table
In 1621, the shores of New England were teeming with seafood, making it a staple in both the Wampanoag and Pilgrim diets. Lobsters were so abundant that they often washed ashore in piles, ready to be gathered by hand. Native Americans used lobsters for food and fertilizer and are believed to have introduced settlers to cooking methods like the clambake. This traditional preparation involved wrapping seafood in seaweed and cooking it over hot stones, imparting a unique flavor and preserving moisture.
Mussels were another common food, often cooked with curd, a dairy product similar to cottage cheese. Fish were plentiful as well and were typically smoked or dried for preservation.
Add Cape Porpoise Lobster Co. Seafood to Your Thanksgiving Table
Whether you’re looking to honor the original Thanksgiving feast or simply want to add something unique to your holiday menu, seafood is an excellent choice. Lobster, mussels, and other fresh seafood can elevate any Thanksgiving meal, offering flavors that are both delicious and steeped in history.
To bring the taste of New England to your table this Thanksgiving, visit Cape Porpoise Lobster Co. We deliver fresh, high-quality lobster and seafood straight to your door with next-day shipping!
Browse our seafood options online or call us at 1-800-967-4268 to place your order and make this year’s Thanksgiving unforgettable.
