The tradition of 'pardoning' a turkey dates back to Abraham Lincoln. Here, pics of presidents with their grateful birds Kate Hogan is Director of Digital Specials and Features at PEOPLE ...

Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning. It is believed Abraham Lincoln was the first president to pardon a turkey in 1863. Lincoln's son Tad allegedly became attached to the turkey ...

football games and a turkey dinner. The day has been a national holiday in the United States since 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln declared it so. Due to the Civil war, the holiday was not ...