The first Thanksgiving, as we popularly know it, took place on American soil. This is a misconception however, for the ancient Greeks and Romans had been having their own "thanksgiving" feasts long before the pilgrims landed in America (Omnigraphics 337). Both the Greeks and Romans paid tribute to their agricultural goddesses (Omnigraphics 337).

The first American Thanksgiving, which took place on December 4, 1619 was a very religious occasion (Omnigraphics 337). What was the cause for this "Thanks Giving"? A weary group of 38 English settlers arrived at the James River at Berkley Plantation (Omnigraphics 337). The settler's charter decreed that their arrival date would be marked annually as a day of "thanksgiving" to God. (Omnigraphics 337).