When was the first thanksgiving celebrated?

The very first thanksgiving was in 1619. Thanksgiving meal was shared between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians. The Pilgrims settling process was difficult due to their lack of preparedness and susceptibility to diseases. Nearly half of the original one hundred settlers died.

Fortunately for the Pilgrims, the Wampanoag Indians befriended them. They taught the Pilgrims to grow and grind corn, how to hunt and fish. Towards the time of their first anniversary of arrival, Governor Bradford declared a day of prayer and thanksgiving to God. About 6o Pilgrims and 90 Indians participated in the celebration. The tradition continued and spread across the region.