The presidential turkey pardon has become such a familiar tradition that it seems like it’s been around since the Pilgrims. But the holiday stunt is actually a relatively modern creation. Here’s a look.

1863

Abe Lincoln’s Son Saves a Turkey

Tad Lincoln befriends a turkey named Jack that was intended as Christmas dinner. He successfully lobbies his father to spare the bird, marking the first recorded instance of a White House turkey being saved.

1873

Donated Thanksgiving Birds Come to the White House

Rhode Island poultry dealer Horace Vose sends a 36-pound turkey to President Ulysses S. Grant, starting an annual tradition. There’s no lifesaving intervention, however: It seems to have ended up on people’s dinner plates.

1947

Harry Truman Receives a Live Turkey

The National Turkey Fe

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