n the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims began a three day feast to celebrate one year at Plymouth and a bountiful harvest. The Wampanoag Indians, along with their King, joined in the celebration. For three days they feasted, hunted, and enjoyed games together. This was considered the first Thanksgiving in America.
The first Thanksgiving would not have been like Thanksgiving today. The Pilgrim's and Indian's had plenty of venison and wild game (turkey, goose, duck), seafood, vegetables (including pumpkins and beans), wheat flour, Indian corn, and spices such as leeks, olive oil, and currants. Even so, there was no pumpkin pie, no sweet potatoes, no mashed potatoes, no ham, corn on the cob, cranberry sauce, or any casserole dishes that have become so popular. More than likely, the main food would have been meats.
Pilgrim's also ate differently. They ate dinner early, and when they did eat, they ate whatever was placed in front of them. They did not eat in courses, they ate as they felt. If they wanted desert first, they ate desert. If they wanted meat, they ate meat. The only eating utensils were forks, spoons, and hands.
The Pilgrim's and Indians enjoyed playing games, racing, and showing off other skills in gaming events. The Indians demonstrated their expertise in shooting a bow and arrow. The Pilgrims demonstrated their musket skills.
This three day event, has become known as America's first Thanksgiving, and even though the food and games have changed; the meaning of the day has not.