Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Teaching the Civil War

The following illustration by Thomas Nast and known as “Thanksgiving Day, 1863,” was published in Harper’s Weekly on November 26, 1863 and shows a nation in prayer. In the center, Columbia (Lady Liberty) is seen kneeling in prayer.  Surrounding her are the Founding Fathers, various political leaders, military leaders, emancipated slaves, and the poor and destitute all depicted in prayer. 

Photo: Harper’s Weekly