The Story of Thanksgiving

1. The Pilgrims leave England because of religious persecution and move to the Netherlands.
2. The Pilgrims leave England and sail to America on the Mayflower.
3. The Pilgrims land in Plymouth, Massachusetts on December 21, 1620.
4. The Pilgrims sign the Mayflower Compact.
5. About half the Pilgrims die the first winter.
6. In the spring an American Indian named Squanto helps the Pilgrims plant crops.
7. The pilgrims had a good harvest of corn and barley.
8. In 1621 the Pilgrims held a celebration to give thanks to God for their good harvest.
9. William Bradford invited the nearby Indians to join them.
10. The celebration lasted three days.
11. In 1863 Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November as a national holiday of thanksgiving. 
12. Later Congress changed it to the fourth Thursday in November.

For directions to this craft go to the Thanksgiving Craft Page.

How to Print or Copy these instructions.