1830s Thanksgiving

Although somewhat similar to the Thanksgiving traditions of the 21st century, Thanksgiving was not officially declared a holiday until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving to officially fall on the last Thursday of November, making it a federal holiday. According to Sturbridge Village, which is a living museum, 1830s Thanksgiving would include rifle shooting matches and Thanksgiving meals often included wedding cake, as many couples chose to get married in the post-harvest season.

Image courtesy of https://hilltownfamilies.org/2012/11/14/hf-613/?v=7516fd43adaa.