Turkey, Cod, and Indian Corn

In Mr. William Bradford’s diary ‘Of Plymouth Plantation’ he mentions that the pilgrims in their first Thanksgiving meal ate turkey, cod and Indian corn. He rejoices in the recent bountiful harvest after the privations suffered since they first landed in the new land.

It is significant that the food items he mentions were all native to America. The humble turkey is also mentioned. The Pilgrims did not eat anything brought from England since any provision they had probably brought with them were all long gone.

The first Thanksgiving dinner, in the words of William Bradford, would seem to indicate that there was a good combination of the various kinds of food that are ideal for good nutrition. Vegetables such as radishes and spinach are mentioned, as are cereals such as Indian corn. He also mentions the small amount of grain that were allotted to each settler, probably from a common store that was still available.

The arrival of Wampanoag chief Massasoit with 90 of his men meant that the food that was available was not sufficient for all. He sent his men out and they returned with five deer, which solved the food problem for all. This Native American chief was a valuable ally for the Pilgrims, and he demonstrated his consideration by this contribution to the food supply.

The food situation was particularly precarious for the settlers during the first days. They had no knowledge of the abundance of game of all kinds and the existence of grain was also unknown to them. Later on, with the appearance of Squanto, they were able to learn about the abundance of the new land. There were all suffering from various sorts of illnesses such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Scurvy was also prevalent, probably due to the diet that they were all forced to observe

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Turkey, Cod, and Indian Corn

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