Every year, Americans gather around the table to celebrate Thanksgiving, often unaware of the woman who made this cherished tradition a national reality. So, what is the name of the lady credited with helping to make Thanksgiving a US national holiday? That honor belongs to Sarah Josepha Hale. A passionate writer, editor, and advocate, Hale dedicated more than 17 years of her life to promoting Thanksgiving as a unifying, national observance.
Using her platform as editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, one of the most influential magazines of the 19th century, Hale wrote countless editorials and letters to U.S. presidents, tirelessly urging the formal establishment of Thanksgiving. Her persistence paid off in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln, moved by her appeal, proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday amid the Civil War.
Though often overlooked in mainstream history, Sarah Hale’s impact on American culture is profound. This article examines her inspiring journey, the impact of her advocacy, and how one woman’s vision has helped shape a holiday that unites the nation each November.
What is the name of the lady who is credited with helping make Thanksgiving a us national holiday?
The name of the lady credited with helping make Thanksgiving a U.S. national holiday is Sarah Josepha Hale. She was an influential writer and magazine editor who spent over 17 years lobbying presidents and officials before Abraham Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.
The Life and Legacy of Sarah Josepha Hale
Born in 1788 in New Hampshire, Sarah Josepha Hale rose to prominence as one of the most influential women of the 19th century. Widowed at a young age, she turned to writing and self-education to support her five children. Her talent and determination led her to become the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, one of the most widely read magazines in the United States at the time. Through this platform, she shaped public opinion on significant social issues, including women’s education, domestic values, and moral guidance. She is also famously remembered as the author of the beloved children’s poem “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
Hale believed that Thanksgiving could serve as a unifying national celebration during a period of deep division in American society. Beginning in the 1840s, she tirelessly campaigned for the holiday’s national recognition, writing persuasive editorials and sending letters to governors and five U.S. presidents. Her unwavering efforts finally paid off in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation making Thanksgiving a national holiday.
Even after achieving this milestone, Hale continued to advocate for the preservation of history and women’s rights. Her impact endured well beyond her time, and among the unique names for influential American reformers, Sarah Hale remains firmly etched in history as the woman who gave the nation a permanent day of gratitude.
Why Did Sarah Josepha Hale Fight for Thanksgiving?
Sarah Josepha Hale’s passionate campaign for Thanksgiving wasn’t just about tradition—it was about national healing, unity, and moral purpose. Here’s why she fought so hard.
Her Belief in Unity Through Tradition
Sarah Josepha Hale viewed Thanksgiving as more than just a meal—it was a unifying, family-centered tradition that could bring Americans together across cultural, political, and religious boundaries. She believed that in a nation as diverse and often divided as the United States, a shared celebration rooted in gratitude could promote national harmony.
A Time of National Turmoil
Hale’s campaign gained momentum during one of the darkest periods in American history—the Civil War. She believed that amid the bloodshed and ideological divide, Thanksgiving could serve as a much-needed reminder of common values and shared humanity. Her appeals for unity through a national day of thanks became even more urgent and passionate during this time.
Moral and Religious Foundations
Although Hale’s advocacy had a strong moral and spiritual foundation, she was careful to frame Thanksgiving in a way that was inclusive and respectful. She emphasized gratitude, reflection, and moral values, avoiding specific denominational doctrines, which made the holiday more widely acceptable across the country.
Influence Through the Press
As editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, one of the most widely read publications of the time, Hale used her editorial platform to promote her vision. Her persuasive articles and letters significantly influenced public sentiment, helping to place Thanksgiving on the national agenda for nearly two decades.
Top Highlights from Sarah Hale’s Thanksgiving Advocacy Journey
Sarah Josepha Hale’s tireless efforts to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday are marked by remarkable milestones. Her journey reflects persistence, influence, and unwavering dedication to a cause she believed could unite a divided nation. Here are some key highlights from her inspiring campaign:
- She began her campaign in 1846, initiating a letter-writing effort that spanned over 17 years to five U.S. presidents—Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, and Abraham Lincoln.
- Abraham Lincoln finally responded in 1863, declaring Thanksgiving a national holiday amid the Civil War as a gesture of unity and healing.
- She was 75 years old when her dream was realized, proving that it’s never too late to create meaningful change.
- Her magazine, Godey’s Lady’s Book, had over 150,000 subscribers, making it one of the most powerful platforms of the time.
- Before her campaign, Thanksgiving was primarily a regional tradition, mostly observed in New England.
- She is widely known as “The Mother of Thanksgiving”, a title that honors her dedication and cultural impact on American society.
These achievements underline how one determined woman helped shape a national tradition that endures to this day.
The Broader Impact of Sarah Hale’s Advocacy
Sarah Josepha Hale’s influence didn’t end with Thanksgiving. She was a powerful advocate for women’s education and played a significant role in fundraising for the Bunker Hill Monument and the restoration of George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon. Through her writing, she promoted values of domestic life, historical preservation, and moral responsibility.
Her Thanksgiving campaign set a precedent for civic activism, demonstrating how one person, even without a political title, can shape national policy through persistence and the power of the press. Hale’s work helped set the stage for the modern American tradition of civic holidays rooted in collective memory and shared values.
Her impact reminds us that cultural change often begins with visionary individuals who are willing to work tirelessly for a cause they believe in. Hale’s legacy as a writer, editor, and social reformer continues to inspire Americans today.
Who Is the Woman Behind Thanksgiving’s National Holiday Status?
Sarah Josepha Hale’s role in shaping Thanksgiving as a national holiday is both remarkable and enduring. Here are five key ways her influence continues to be recognized and celebrated:
- The Woman Behind the Holiday: Sarah Josepha Hale is closely associated with the national recognition of Thanksgiving. Her name is now synonymous with the holiday’s cultural and historical roots.
- Her Influence on Lincoln’s Proclamation: It was Hale’s unwavering 17-year campaign—through letters and editorials—that finally prompted President Abraham Lincoln to issue the Thanksgiving proclamation in 1863 during the Civil War.
- How History Remembers Her: Although not a household name for many, Hale is increasingly honored as a pioneer in American civic and cultural life. She is now rightfully credited as the “Mother of Thanksgiving.”
- Thanksgiving’s Place in Tradition: Her vision of a unifying national holiday was realized and has since become an essential part of American identity, symbolizing gratitude, family, and togetherness.
- Legacy Through Generations: Hale’s contributions are preserved in school curricula, historical accounts, and every Thanksgiving celebration, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Final Remarks
Learning what is the name of the lady who is credited with helping make Thanksgiving a US national holiday reveals more than just a historical fact—it highlights the impact one determined woman can have on a nation. Sarah Josepha Hale transformed a heartfelt idea into a beloved national tradition through persistence, influence, and the power of her words.
Her unwavering efforts during a time of division helped establish a unifying day of gratitude that continues to bring Americans together. Thanksgiving, as we celebrate it today, would not exist without her vision. Honoring Hale means recognizing the lasting cultural legacy she created—one that lives on each November as families gather to give thanks across the United States.
FAQ’s
What is the name of the lady who is credited with helping make Thanksgiving a US national holiday?
The woman credited with this achievement is Sarah Josepha Hale, whose relentless efforts led to Thanksgiving becoming a national holiday in 1863.
How long did Sarah Hale campaign for Thanksgiving?
Sarah Hale spent over 17 years advocating for Thanksgiving, starting in the 1840s and writing to five presidents before finally succeeding with Abraham Lincoln.
What was Sarah Hale’s profession?
She was a prolific writer, poet, and the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, one of the most widely read and influential women’s magazines of the 19th century.
Why did Abraham Lincoln make Thanksgiving a national holiday?
Moved by Hale’s letters and the desire to unify the country during the Civil War, Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.
What other causes did Sarah Hale support?
In addition to Thanksgiving, she championed women’s education, advocated for historical preservation, and helped fundraise for national landmarks like Mount Vernon.
