President Lincoln Proclaims Official Thanksgiving Holiday

On October 20, 1864

Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving Day a national holiday.

The announcement came after decisively winning the Gettysburg battle, and Lincoln felt there was much to be grateful for.

This Day in History - October 20

1998

A month after launching in Japan, Metal Gear Solid was finally playable by North American PlayStation players.

1740

Maria Theresa – the only female to rule the Habsburg Empire – became queen following her father's death.

1952

The Governor of Kenya declared a state of emergency and began arresting hundreds of suspected leaders of the Mau Mau Uprising.

1822

The British newspaper The Sunday Times was first published.

1975

The US Supreme Court ruled to allow teachers to spank students even against their parent's wishes.

What Happened on Oct 20?

What Happened in 1864?