Thanksgiving, a tradition as old as the American West itself, has always been a time for gratitude and feasting. In a land of rugged individualism and boundless opportunity, pioneers found reasons to give thanks, no matter how harsh the conditions were. From hearty meals shared around a campfire to prayers of gratitude for successful hunts, Thanksgiving in the Wild West was a testament to the resilience of the pioneer spirit.
As early as 1621 A.D. people in the present-day United States of America celebrated a fall harvest festival in which they thanked God for protection and provision sharing their feast with neighbors and friends. George Washington proclaimed the last Thursday in November a day of Thanksgiving, but it wasn’t until 1863 when Abraham Lincoln recognized it as a federal holiday. Newspapers all over the West contained ads for Thanksgiving balls, suppers and other celebratory events.
It’s hard to imagine a Thanksgiving celebration without a table with a giant turkey and all the fixings. Back in the 1800’s on the frontier, Thanksgiving looked a little different. For many folks out West, they didn’t have kitchens filled with stovetops and ovens, for many it was campfires or a chuckwagon kitchen set up. It was a simple feast often consisting of whatever game they could hunt.
You would find similar fares such as potatoes, roasted carrots, cranberry sauce, mince, apple or pumpkin pies. But a lot of these folks had limited resources so you ate what you could raise on the farm or hunt. Venison, fish, goose, corned beef, roast beef, bovine or bison tongue, ham or quail stew were the most common fares. You might have found turkey but mainly in the Eastern States. (Fun fact the Turkey was almost the National Bird of the United States of America.)
In 1888 hotels in Kansas City, Missouri outdid themselves serving Blue Point oysters, little neck clams, red snapper, salmon, opossum, quail stuffed with truffles, elk, squirrel, asparagus, artichokes, puddings, pies, ice cream, macaroons and Roquefort & Edam cheeses.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving today, whether with a big group or a small gathering, let us remember the pioneers who faced adversity with courage and gratitude. Let’s give thanks for the simple blessings in our lives, from a warm meal to the love of family and friends. May we carry forward the spirit of the Old West, a spirit of resilience, hope and gratitude.
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