Today in Wheeling History: November 28—Under a proclamation issued by Francis Pierpont, Governor of the Restored Government of Virginia, seated in Wheeling, citizens observed a day of Thanksgiving, a local observance that predated the national tradition proclaimed on October 3, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln that the fourth Thursday of every November would be the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday (1861).
Governor Francis Pierpont issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation in Virginia or West Virginia in 1861, despite the Civil War raging. He designated November 28th as a day of gratitude and prayer. Pierpont acknowledged God's providence in blessings like agriculture amidst the conflict's grief. The proclamation preceded national Thanksgiving holidays started in 1863. Though simple, Pierpont's Thanksgiving aimed to inspire optimism and unity during grim times, boosting morale as West Virginia moved towards statehood. The occasion was a forerunner to modern Thanksgiving traditions.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/45chbyaa) (https://tinyurl.com/472pddzy)
Photo Credits: Library of Congress
Governor Francis Pierpont issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation in Virginia or West Virginia in 1861, despite the Civil War raging. He designated November 28th as a day of gratitude and prayer. Pierpont acknowledged God's providence in blessings like agriculture amidst the conflict's grief. The proclamation preceded national Thanksgiving holidays started in 1863. Though simple, Pierpont's Thanksgiving aimed to inspire optimism and unity during grim times, boosting morale as West Virginia moved towards statehood. The occasion was a forerunner to modern Thanksgiving traditions.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/45chbyaa) (https://tinyurl.com/472pddzy)
Photo Credits: Library of Congress
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