The Surprising History of Thanksgiving

How Turkey Almost Lost Its Spot as the Main Dish

When we think of Thanksgiving, the turkey practically steals the show, right? A golden bird, often the centerpiece of tables across the country, carved with care and celebrated with side dishes galore. But here’s a wild thought: what if turkey wasn’t supposed to be our main Thanksgiving dish? That’s right! Believe it or not, we almost celebrated with a completely different feast. Ever wondered what Thanksgiving could look like without turkey? Let’s dive into this quirky slice of history.

First, A Fun Question: Could You Picture Thanksgiving Without Turkey?

Think about it. If turkey wasn’t on the table, what would you pick for the main course? Roast beef? A whole fish? Or maybe something way outside the box, like lobster? Drop your ideas, trust us, some of these “almost Thanksgiving dishes” might surprise you!

The Close Call That Almost Left Us Turkey-less

Here’s the scoop: In early American history, there was no fixed “traditional” dish for Thanksgiving. Turkeys were around, sure, but they weren’t always on the menu. In fact, wild turkeys were tough to catch, and sometimes they just weren’t available. So what did people eat? Native Americans introduced settlers to many types of game,think ducks, geese, venison (deer), and fish. Turkey was just one of many options!

In New England and along the coast, people even celebrated with seafood like clams, oysters, and, yes, lobster. Imagine your Thanksgiving centerpiece being a steaming plate of lobster or a big bowl of clam chowder! Turkey didn’t earn its “official” status until much later.

The Turkey “Campaign”: How Turkey Took Over

So, how did turkey end up on our tables? A lot of credit goes to Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor who also wrote the famous poem, Mary Had a Little Lamb. Hale thought Thanksgiving could be a unifying national holiday, and she spent years writing to presidents and governors to make it official. She also had ideas about the menu. Hale promoted the image of a traditional Thanksgiving with turkey as the star of the meal, helping turkey gain popularity.

But it didn’t stop there. By the 1800s, cookbooks and newspapers started calling turkey the main course for Thanksgiving, and the idea spread like wildfire. Turkey was big enough to feed a large family and much easier to raise than other game. Suddenly, it seemed that everyone had decided: Thanksgiving just wasn’t Thanksgiving without a turkey.

Another Twist: The Great Turkey Shortage Scare

There was another moment in history where turkey almost didn’t make it to the Thanksgiving table. During World War II, food rationing led to a shortage of turkeys. Americans were asked to consider alternative options, with ideas like chicken, ham, and even rabbit being suggested to take the turkey’s place. Chicken was smaller but more accessible, and it seemed like it might become the new tradition. People were ready to adapt if needed, but turkey eventually made a comeback, and the “alternative” options didn’t stick around as Thanksgiving favorites.

So, What Would Have Been Your Pick?

Now that you know how turkey almost got sidelined, let’s have some fun. Imagine Thanksgiving without turkey what would you have on the table instead? Roast duck? A spread of oysters and fish? Or maybe something more exotic, like pheasant?

In fact, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even create a “Throwback Thanksgiving” meal this year by adding one of these “almost” main dishes to your table. It’s a fun way to experience Thanksgiving through the lens of early American traditions and explore flavors that didn’t quite make it into our modern holiday.

A Final Twist: Turkey Isn’t the Only Option!

Who says you have to stick to tradition? With Thanksgiving becoming more diverse, you might already be seeing non-traditional dishes at your own family gathering. Some people prefer seafood, a roast ham, or even plant based mains to keep things fresh. But turkey will always have a special place in surprising history of Thanksgiving, even if it was almost upstaged by seafood and other wild game.

So, next time you’re slicing into that turkey, take a moment to appreciate its unlikely journey to the center of your Thanksgiving table. And if you’re up for a culinary adventure, maybe throw a side of lobster or a roast duck into the mix and celebrate Thanksgiving with a nod to the “almost” traditions!

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