The Writer Who Gave Us Thanksgiving: Sarah Josepha Hale’s Story

 

 

 

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing a feast, and reflecting on gratitude. But have you ever stopped to wonder how this beloved holiday became a national celebration? Surprisingly, the person responsible wasn’t a president, a pilgrim, or even a politician—it was a writer and editor named Sarah Josepha Hale, whose literary persistence united a divided nation.

Hale is best known as the classic nursery rhyme Mary Had a Little Lamb author. But behind the sweet simplicity of that rhyme was a powerhouse of a woman who used her pen to effect real change. A prolific writer and editor, Hale helmed the popular publication Godey’s Lady’s Book for 40 years, where she became a champion for education, women’s rights, and, most famously, Thanksgiving.

In the early 19th century, Thanksgiving differed from the widely celebrated national holiday we know today. Instead, it was primarily a regional observance in New England, celebrated inconsistently across the states. Sarah Josepha Hale saw Thanksgiving as more than just a feast day—in her mind, it was a way to foster unity and gratitude, particularly in a country becoming increasingly divided.

In the 1840s, Hale launched a relentless campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. She wrote editorials, published recipes, and urged her readers to support the cause. For 17 years, she sent letters to five U.S. presidents—Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, and Abraham Lincoln—pleading with them to formalize the holiday.

Her persistence finally paid off in 1863 during the Civil War. Hale wrote a heartfelt letter to President Abraham Lincoln, arguing that a national day of gratitude could help heal a fractured nation. Moved by her words, Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring the last Thursday of November a national day of Thanksgiving. In his proclamation, Lincoln called on Americans to give thanks for blessings, even during war trials. Hale’s dream had come true: Thanksgiving was now a national tradition.

Sarah Josepha Hale’s story is more than just a fun piece of holiday trivia—it’s a testament to the power of the written word. Her letters and editorials didn’t just persuade a president; they shaped American culture for generations. Without her efforts, the Thanksgiving holiday we know and love might never have existed.

Hale’s influence didn’t stop there. As Godey’s Lady’s Book editor, she helped popularize the idea of serving roast turkey at Thanksgiving, making it a centerpiece of the holiday meal. She also advocated including pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and other staples of the modern Thanksgiving feast. In many ways, the holiday traditions we enjoy today are thanks to Hale’s tireless advocacy.

Hale’s story offers an inspiring lesson for readers and writers alike. It shows how writing—whether through stories, letters, or articles—can create lasting change. Her work reminds us that persistence and belief in a cause, combined with the power of words, can bring people together, even in the most challenging times.

For writers, Hale’s journey is a masterclass in advocacy. She didn’t just write for entertainment; she wrote with purpose. Through her pen, she united people around a shared vision and left a legacy of gratitude that endures to this day. For readers, her story is a reminder of the impact one person can have when they refuse to give up on their dreams.

So, as you sit down to enjoy your Thanksgiving meal this year, take a moment to remember Sarah Josepha Hale. Raise a forkful of turkey—or pumpkin pie—in her honor and think about the incredible power of words to shape the world. And if you’re a writer, let her story inspire you to use your voice to make a difference.

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