Thanksgiving's Unsung Hero

What Do “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” Honest Abe, and Thanksgiving Have in Common?

You read that right. The beloved nursery rhyme, the 16th President of the United States, and your annual turkey feast are all tied together by one woman’s determination: Sarah Josepha Hale. While we might credit Abraham Lincoln for making Thanksgiving a national holiday, it was Hale—a writer, editor, and women's education advocate—who lobbied tirelessly to make it happen.

Back in the day Sarah Josepha Hale, known for writing Mary Had a Little Lamb (yes, that Mary), wasn’t just a poet. She was a powerhouse! Sarah was the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book (basically the Oprah’s Book Club of the 19th century!) and used her platform to champion women’s education, preserve historic landmarks, and, YES, campaign for a national day of thanks. She believed Thanksgiving could be a unifying force during the nation’s most divided days: the Civil War.

For nearly 40 years, Hale wrote letters to presidents and editorial after editorial, urging Americans to adopt Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Her persistence finally paid off in 1863 when she convinced President Lincoln to proclaim the last Thursday in November as a day for all Americans to pause, give thanks, and overindulge in pie.

President Lincoln’s proclamation wasn’t just about gratitude; it was about healing. At a time when the country was tearing itself apart, Thanksgiving was meant to remind Americans of their shared humanity. And while we’re still working on some of those divisions today, Sarah’s vision of gratitude and unity remains at the heart of the holiday.

So, next time you dig into your mashed potatoes, give a nod to Sarah Josepha Hale—thanks to her 40-year quest, we have a holiday that reminds us to pause, unite, and give thanks—proof that dedication can truly shape history!

What are you thankful for this year?