Why turkey?

The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopa) is native to North America and was a staple in the Native American diet. In the early part of the 16th century, it was introduced to Europe by the Spaniards via Turkey (hence the name of the bird). Incidentally, Native Americans referred to the bird as "peru".

When the early Pilgrim settlers arrived in 1620, they were introduced to turkey by the Wampanoag tribe. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 at the request of Governor William Bradford, and the Native Americans were the invited guests of honor. However, since deer meat and wild fowl were very plentiful (as well as duck, goose, lobster, seal, eel and cod) during this time, historians believe those two meats were most likely eaten in lieu of turkey.

Some believe that Queen Elizabeth of 16th century England was eating roast goose during a harvest festival, when she received word that the Spanish Armada had sunk on its way to attack England. She was so delighted that she ordered a second goose to celebrate. Goose was often cooked as a celebratory food for the British. When the Pilgrims came to America from England, turkey was much more readily available than goose and replaced the goose as the meal to eat during the harvest.

Turkey facts:

-Male turkeys are called "toms" and female turkeys are known as "hens".
-A mature turkey has over 3,000 feathers.
-Wild turkeys can run up to 55 miles an hour.
-The heads and necks of turkeys change to blue when mating.

Due to the efforts of Sarah Josepha Dale, on October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that Thanksgiving would be an official holiday in the United States. The proclamation declared the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.