Holiday Origins

The History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day after the Civil War. Here is who claims to be first, Logan's 1868 order, the Monday move and today's moment of silence.

The History of Juneteenth

How Juneteenth began with General Order No. 3 in Galveston on June 19, 1865, why freedom came late to Texas, and how it became a federal holiday in 2021.

The History of Thanksgiving: Tradition vs Record

What the 1621 Plymouth harvest really was, what the two eyewitness accounts say, what people ate, and how Hale, Lincoln and FDR made the modern holiday.

The History of Halloween

How Halloween grew from Samhain tales, the November 1 feast of All Saints, souling and guising, and Irish turnip lanterns into America's pumpkin holiday.

The History of Labor Day

Labor Day began with a New York parade on September 5, 1882, spread through state laws from 1887 and became a federal holiday in June 1894. Here is the story.

The History of Valentine's Day

Where Valentine's Day really came from: the early martyrs, the disputed Lupercalia link, Chaucer's love poem, and the lace cards that built a U.S. industry.