Thanksgiving, a quintessentially American holiday, has long been celebrated in Georgia with a distinct Southern flair. From its slow adoption in the 19th century to today’s regional traditions, the story of Thanksgiving in Georgia reflects the state’s evolution in culture and community.
The South Came to the Table Slowly
While the origins of Thanksgiving are firmly rooted in the Pilgrims’ 1621 feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Georgia was slower to adopt the tradition. The Southern states, with their own historical and cultural distinctions, were hesitant to fully embrace the holiday. Georgia’s first formal recognition of Thanksgiving as a holiday came in 1855, joining Virginia and Texas in officially setting aside the day for gratitude .
Roosevelt’s ‘Franksgiving‘
The influence of Franklin D. Roosevelt, a leader deeply tied to Georgia through his home in Warm Springs, left an indelible mark on Thanksgiving. In 1939, FDR attempted to move the holiday to the third Thursday in November, aiming to extend the Christmas shopping season and stimulate the economy during the Great Depression. This controversial decision, known as “Franksgiving,” led to confusion nationwide, with some states adhering to the change and others refusing. Congress eventually standardized the holiday as the fourth Thursday in November in 1941, a tradition that remains today .
Moultrie Does it Different
Over the years, Georgia has developed its own Thanksgiving customs. Moultrie, for example, combines the holiday with the lighting of its iconic “Canopy of Lights,” a community tradition since 1933.
Families in Moultrie gather for early lunches and then head downtown for festivities featuring music, activities for children, and Santa Claus himself. This blending of Thanksgiving and the Christmas season exemplifies the communal spirit that defines Southern culture .
The Other Side of The Table
Thanksgiving also serves as a time of historical reflection in Georgia, particularly regarding the experiences of Native American communities. Educational efforts across the state aim to show the broader context of the holiday, offering perspectives on how Indigenous people have been impacted by colonial history.
Initiatives like those from Georgia Indigenous Diversity bring these stories to light during Native American Heritage Month, enriching the understanding of Thanksgiving beyond its traditional narratives .
Thanksgiving in Georgia has transformed from a Northern observance to a beloved tradition deeply ingrained in the state’s identity. Through local customs, historical remembrance, and a shared sense of gratitude, the holiday continues to bring communities together in celebration of both heritage and togetherness.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
