What wasn’t at the first Thanksgiving might surprise you more than what actually was.
Everything you learned about Thanksgiving dinner might be completely wrong. Historians have studied the 1621 Plymouth meal extensively.
They’ve discovered that many foods we consider ‘traditional’ simply weren’t there.
So why does this matter? Geography, technology, and food availability tell the real story.
Let’s jump in and check out that list.
Oh, before we get started….
Did You Know?
The Pilgrims didn’t actually call it “Thanksgiving.” The meal in 1621 had no official nameāhistorians created the “First Thanksgiving” label centuries later. This distinction matters because it changes how we understand what the meal actually represented to those who attended.
The Myth-Busting Begins: 8 Foods That Weren’t There
Ready to have your mind blown? Below are eight foods that most people assume were at the 1621 feast.
Spoiler alert: historians agree they definitely weren’t there. Each one was off the menu for a specific reasonāgeography, technology, or simple unavailability.
Let’s explore exactly why.
Food #1: Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is perhaps the most iconic Thanksgiving food. Here’s the problem: pumpkins alone don’t make pie.
The colonists lacked sugar, flour, and functioning oven technology. Pumpkins were abundant in 1621 Massachusetts.
However, eating them meant roasting them whole over fire. The result tasted nothing like modern pumpkin pie.
This dessert belongs to the 1800s, not 1621.
Food #2: Cranberry Sauce
Similarly, the story with cranberry sauce follows the same pattern of missing ingredients.
Cranberries grew abundantly along the Massachusetts coast. Fresh cranberries are extremely tart without added sugar.
The 1621 colonists had no sugar supply whatsoever. Therefore, they couldn’t create the sweet sauce we know today.
Colonists may have eaten fresh cranberries raw. They might have cooked them without sweetener too.
Either way, it tasted completely different from modern versions.
Food #3: Mashed Potatoes
But here’s where geography becomes the real culprit. This might shock you: white potatoes weren’t in New England yet.
Potatoes arrived in North America through different trade routes.
They became common decades later than 1621. The Irish connection to potatoes happened gradually.
Furthermore, beyond simple availability, these early colonists didn’t trust potatoes. Many Europeans considered potatoes dangerous and poisonous initially.
The potato revolution came much later in American history.
Did You Know?
Potatoes were considered dangerous by many European colonists and weren’t widely adopted in North America until the 1700s. Ironically, potatoes later became one of the most iconic Thanksgiving sidesāa food that didn’t exist at the “original” meal. This shows how quickly “traditions” can develop.
Food #4: Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes grew in warmer Southern colonies primarily. The 1621 feast occurred in what’s now Massachusetts.
Weather and climate made a tremendous difference. Sweet potatoes require warm growing seasons. New England’s short growing season couldn’t support them.
Therefore, they never appeared at this particular meal. The myth connects them because they’re “Thanksgiving food” today.
Food #5: Gravy (As We Know It)
Speaking of missing ingredients, gravy presents yet another problem.
Modern gravy requires butter and flour in specific amounts. These ingredients weren’t readily available in 1621.
Creating gravy for 90+ people would deplete supplies.
Colonists hoarded butter for cooking and preservation. Flour was scarce and carefully rationed.
Beyond ingredient scarcity, moreover, they lacked the cooking equipment for large-scale gravy production.
The gravy tradition appears in historical records much later.
Food #6: Buttered Bread or Rolls
Bread existed, but it looked different from modern versions. Creating yeast required resources colonists barely possessed.
Additionally, their ovens were crude compared to what we imagine.
Also, butter was scarce and reserved for practical cooking.
Using butter on bread seemed wasteful to them. Bread was present, but dry and unbuttered most likely.
The buttered bread tradition grew during later centuries.
Meet the People: Key Figures at the First Thanksgiving
Behind every historical event are real people making decisions. Understanding who attended the 1621 harvest celebration helps us see why it happened and what it actually meant to those involved.
š William Bradford
Governor of Plymouth Colony
Bradford kept detailed records about the colony’s early years. His writings provide much of what historians know today.
1590ā1657
š¤ Squanto (Tisquantum)
Native American Interpreter and Advisor
Squanto taught colonists how to grow corn and fish. He spoke English and helped bridge two cultures.
Died around 1622
š Chief Massasoit
Wampanoag Nation Leader
Massasoit negotiated peace with the Plymouth Colony settlers. He brought approximately 90 warriors and hunters to the meal.
1581ā1661
š£ļø Samoset
Wampanoag Scout
Samoset spoke English and arranged early meetings between colonists and Native Americans. He likely attended this harvest celebration.
1590ā1653
āļø Miles Standish
Military Advisor to Plymouth Colony
Standish organized the colony’s defense and hunting expeditions. He played a key role in the harvest celebration.
1584ā1656
Food #7: Corn on the Cob with Butter
Corn was absolutely present at this meal. However, it wasn’t served on the cob with butter.
Colonists ground corn into meal for cooking.
They made corn mush and cornbread from ground kernels. Fresh corn on the cob was sometimes eaten raw.
Nevertheless, adding butter was nearly impossible then. The side dish we know today simply didn’t exist yet.
Food #8: Pork (Or Limited Amounts)
Pigs were incredibly valuable to the Plymouth Colony. Killing pigs for one meal made no economic sense.
Colonists needed breeding animals for future food security. Therefore, pork was either absent or served minimally. When pork appeared, it came from hunting wild boar.
The colonists preserved meat for winter survival. Using precious animals for celebration went against their survival strategy entirely.
Download Our 3 Authentic 1621 Thanksgiving Recipes to Try at Home!
What Actually Was at the First Thanksgiving?
The real menu tells a fascinating different story. Wild turkey was definitely present and abundant. Duck and goose were hunted from local waters.
Corn prepared as cornmeal became a staple dish. Beans and squash grew in local gardens. Shellfish from nearby coasts provided protein and flavor.
What’s Really On the Table? Modern vs. 1621
Think you know what was served at the first Thanksgiving? This table reveals which modern staples were actually there, which definitely weren’t, and when they became “traditional.” The answers might surprise you.
| Modern Thanksgiving Staple | At 1621 Feast? | Why or Why Not | When Did It Become Traditional? |
|---|---|---|---|
| š¦ Roasted Turkey | ā Possibly | Wild turkeys were hunted, but likely not the main centerpiece. Goose and duck were probably more common. | 1800s (through marketing) |
| š„ Mashed Potatoes | ā No | White potatoes hadn’t arrived in New England yet. They didn’t become common until the 1700s. | 1800s (industrial production made them easy) |
| š« Cranberry Sauce | ā No | Cranberries existed but sugar was scarce. Colonists couldn’t afford to sweeten them in 1621. | 1670s (when sugar became more available) |
| š„§ Pumpkin Pie | ā No | Pumpkins existed but colonists lacked flour and butter for pie crust. They roasted pumpkins instead. | 1850s-1900s (Victorian nostalgia) |
| š Stuffing/Dressing | ā Possibly | Colonists and Wampanoag stuffed birds with herbs, onions, or nuts. Bread-based stuffing came later. | Modern version: 1800s |
| š Sweet Potato Casserole | ā No | Sweet potatoes grew in warmer Southern colonies, not New England. They arrived much later. | Late 1600s (Southern colonies) |
| š„§ Apple Pie | ā No | Apples originated in Central Asia. They were barely established in America by 1621. | 1700s-1800s (as orchards developed) |
| š„£ Gravy | ā No | Making gravy requires butter and flour in large quantities. Both were too scarce in 1621. | 1800s (cookbooks standardized it) |
| š½ Corn (on the cob with butter) | ā Partially | Corn was abundant but prepared differentlyāground into meal for porridge or bread, not buttered cob. | Modern version: 1900s |
| š¦ Venison | ā Yes! | Wampanoag guests brought five deer. This was a major protein source, roasted or stewed. | 1621 (and remains rarely served today) |
| š¦ Wildfowl (Goose, Duck) | ā Yes! | Four men hunted for days and returned with enough waterfowl to feed the colony for a week. | 1621 (replaced by turkey in modern tradition) |
| š« Beans & Squash | ā Yes! | These were the “three sisters” grown together by Native Americans. Definitely present and cooked in stews. | 1621 (still served, but usually different preparations) |
Possibly venison appeared, brought by Native American guests. These foods reflect what the land provided naturally.
Additionally, historians believe Native Americans (the Wampanoag) contributed significantly. They brought knowledge of local crops and hunting techniques.
Their role in this harvest celebration was absolutely essential.
Who Were the Wampanoag?
To understand what really happened in 1621, we need to know who the Wampanoag were, why they made contact with the colonists, and what the relationship between these two groups actually meant. Their story is essential to the real Thanksgiving.
šļø The People
The Wampanoag were a confederation of Indigenous nations who lived in what is now southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. They had sophisticated agricultural practices, governed their communities through democratic councils, and thrived on the land for thousands of years before European contact. The name “Wampanoag” means “people of the first light.”
š¤ Meeting the Pilgrims
In March 1621, the Wampanoag first made contact with the struggling English colonists at Plymouth. Squanto (Tisquantum), a Patuxet man who spoke English after being kidnapped and enslaved in Europe, served as interpreter and cultural bridge. He taught the starving colonists how to plant corn, fish in local waters, and survive in New England. Chief Massasoit negotiated a peace treaty with Governor William Bradford.
ā ļø The Complex Reality
While the 1621 harvest celebration represented cooperation, the larger story is complicated. The Wampanoag were weakened by disease brought by European traders. The alliance was strategic for both groupsāthe Wampanoag hoped English friendship would protect them from rival nations. Within decades, broken treaties and colonial expansion led to conflict. Understanding this context shows that the “First Thanksgiving” is not a simple story of friendship, but a complex moment in history.
The meal represented cooperation, though it remained complex and fraught. Modern storytelling often minimizes this indigenous contribution.
Understanding their presence changes how we view this event entirely.
FAQs: What Wasn’t at the First Thanksgiving
The Bigger Picture: Why Myths Matter
Food myths, among many others, reveal bigger historical misconceptions.
They show how stories change and grow over time. Each generation adds details that feel true but aren’t.
Television, books, and family traditions reinforce false narratives. However, the real story is actually more fascinating.
Understanding what colonists truly ate connects us to reality. This knowledge helps us appreciate their actual achievements and struggles.
The 1621 harvest celebration represents something important. It shows cultural exchange, negotiation, and cooperation. It also reveals conflict and the beginning of colonization.
The meal itself was simpler but more meaningful. Our modern Thanksgiving myth strips away this complexity.
Learning the truth helps us understand American history better. Therefore, embrace these corrections and share them widely.
Final Thoughts
History becomes more interesting when we dig past the myths.
Question what you’ve always heard about major events. Your research can uncover surprising truths.
Share these facts at your own Thanksgiving table. Start conversations about what really happened in 1621.
Your curiosity challenges false stories and honors accurate history. Be the person who knows the real story.
One more thing…
If you’d like to learn more about this historic gathering, how it went down, how it’s influenced U.S. history, etc. check out the books below that were used as source information for this post and listed in the references section at the end of the post. —>
š Books to Learn More
Want to dig deeper into the history of the first Thanksgiving and colonial America? These carefully selected books offer authentic historical perspectives, primary sources, and expert analysis. Click the links below to purchase from your favorite retailer.
| Book Title & Author | Description | Published | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Of Plymouth Plantation, 1620-1647 |
Primary source journal written by Plymouth’s governor. Bradford’s firsthand account provides the most direct record of the 1621 harvest celebration and early colonial life. | 1620-1647 (various editions) |
|
| The Times of Their Lives: Life, Love, and Death in Plymouth Colony |
Explores daily life in Plymouth through archaeology and historical documents. Reveals how colonists actually lived, worked, and ate during this period. | 2000 | |
| Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War |
A compelling narrative history that moves beyond myth to reveal the complex relationships between colonists and Native Americans, including both cooperation and conflict. | 2006 | |
| Indian New England Before the Mayflower |
Detailed history of Native American life, agriculture, and culture in New England before European contact. Essential for understanding Wampanoag contributions. | 1980 | |
| Three Visitors to Early Plymouth |
Primary source collection featuring three firsthand accounts of early Plymouth. Direct observations from people who witnessed the colony’s founding years. | 2003 | |
| Rich Indians: Native People and the Problem of Wealth in American History |
Examines how Native Americans managed resources and wealth before European contact. Challenges stereotypes about indigenous peoples and economics. | 2010 | |
| King Philip’s War: The History and Legacy of America’s Forgotten Conflict |
Traces what happened after 1621 and explains why the Pilgrims and Wampanoag eventually became enemies. Shows how quickly colonial relationships deteriorated. | 1999 | |
| Thundersticks: Firearms and the Violent Transformation of Native America |
Explores how European weapons changed Native American societies and shaped colonial history. Important context for understanding the decline of indigenous nations. | 2019 | |
| The Wordy Shipmates |
An engaging, witty narrative history about Puritans and early colonial America. Written for general readers who want history that’s both accurate and entertaining. | 2008 |
References: What Wasn’t at the First Thanksgiving
Bradford, William. Of Plymouth Plantation, 1620-1647. Massachusetts Historical Society. (Original manuscript; various published editions available)
Deetz, James F. & Patricia Scott Deetz. The Times of Their Lives: Life, Love, and Death in Plymouth Colony. W.H. Freeman, 2000.
Harmon, Alexandra. Rich Indians: Native People and the Problem of Wealth in American History. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2010.
James, Sydney V. (Editor). Three Visitors to Early Plymouth. Plimoth Patuxet, 2003.
Philbrick, Nathaniel. Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War. Viking, 2006.
Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Thanksgiving: The Real Story. Educational resources and primary source documents. Accessed at www.plimoth.org.
Russell, Howard S. Indian New England Before the Mayflower. University Press of New England, 1980.
Schultz, Eric B. & Michael J. Tougias. King Philip’s War: The History and Legacy of America’s Forgotten Conflict. Countryman Press, 1999.
Silverman, David J. Thundersticks: Firearms and the Violent Transformation of Native America. Harvard University Press, 2019.
Vowell, Sarah. The Wordy Shipmates. Riverhead Books, 2008.
