The First American Thanksgiving: St. Augustine, 1565 – The Untold Story
The narrative surrounding the first Thanksgiving in America is often dominated by the well-known story of the Pilgrims in Plymouth in 1621. However, a lesser-known event that occurred 56 years earlier in St. Augustine, Florida, challenges this popular perception. This blog explores the remarkable journey of Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, the establishment of St. Augustine, and the first documented Thanksgiving celebration in American history. Setting the Stage for St. Augustine In 1565, Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés arrived in Florida after a grueling journey across the Atlantic Ocean. His mission was not merely to survive but to establish a permanent settlement in the New World. This expedition marked the beginning of St. Augustine, which would become the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in what is now the United States. Menéndez de Avilés and his crew faced numerous challenges during their voyage. They battled treacherous waters and the