Sarah Josepha Hale, a prolific writer and magazine editor, is widely credited with influencing President Abraham Lincoln to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Hale had campaigned for the establishment of a national Thanksgiving Day for over 17 years, writing numerous articles and editorials advocating for the holiday. She believed that a national Thanksgiving Day would help unite the country during the divisive Civil War era and foster a sense of national unity.
In 1863, Hale wrote a direct letter to President Lincoln, urging him to declare a national Thanksgiving Day. She argued that a national holiday would not only provide a much-needed respite from the war but also serve as a reminder of the nation’s blessings and the importance of unity. Lincoln, who had previously observed Thanksgiving on a state-by-state basis, was moved by Hale’s plea.
On October 3, 1863, President Lincoln issued a proclamation establishing the last Thursday of November as a national Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer. He acknowledged Hale’s role in the proclamation, stating that her “persistent efforts” had helped bring the holiday to fruition.
Hale’s unwavering advocacy for Thanksgiving played a pivotal role in securing its status as a national holiday. Her efforts helped to unite the country during a difficult time and establish a tradition that continues to be cherished by Americans today.