On what date did George Washington declare Thanksgiving a national holiday?

George Washington declared Thanksgiving a national holiday on November 26, 1789, as a day of public thanks and prayer. This proclamation was made to mark the end of the nation's struggle for independence and to express gratitude for the freedoms and blessings enjoyed by the citizens of the United States. In his proclamation, Washington emphasized the importance of recognizing the providence of God and acknowledged the need for the nation to give thanks through collective observance. This was the first federally recognized Thanksgiving holiday, establishing a tradition that would evolve over the years into the Thanksgiving celebration we know today.

The other dates presented do not align with this historical event. July 4, 1776, marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, while December 25, 1789, is often linked to Christmas celebrations. January 1, 1790, does not have significant historical relevance concerning Thanksgiving or any related national declarations. The significance of Washington's November 26 proclamation continues to be recognized as the foundation for the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States.