After the U.S. victory over British forces in the October 1777 Battle
of Saratoga, the Continental Congress recommended that the colonies
observe a day of thanksgiving. The commander-in-chief of the Continental
forces, George Washington, issued General
Orders setting aside Thursday, December 18 "for Solemn Thanksgiving
and Praise."
All thirteen colonies celebrated on December 18 while Connecticut,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont sponsored additional
thanksgiving observances on separate days. The tradition of thanksgiving
days sponsored by the Continental Congress continued through 1784
with proclamations such as the October
1782 decree.
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