1) The first Thanksgiving may not have included turkey.
While more than 700 million pounds of turkey is consumed (or left-over) from Thanksgiving dinner in the US. There was no specific mention of turkey in the early accounts of 1621. A group went on a 'fowling' mission but that could refer to ducks and geese. Because they lived on both costal and tidal waters, seafood like fish and mussels were most likely the meat consumed.

2) Pumpkin Pie wasn't served in 1621.
Unfortunately, the Pilgrims didn't have flour or an oven after their first harvest. They most likely had pumpkin and or squash, but it wouldn't have been served as a pie like we think of today.

3) The Pilgrims weren't the only Europeans in the New World.
We usually think of the Pilgrims as the only Europeans in America at that time. But there was also about 1,200 colonists in the Jamestown / Middle Peninsula / Northern Neck area of Virginia. There was very little, if any communication between these two groups at that time. The population in Virginia was significantly reduced by about 1/4th after the Indian Massacre of 1622.

4) The potatoes weren't there either...
Potatoes hadn't been introduced in Europe. If they had, they weren't common enough at the time to make a trip to the New World. There are records of eating other roots (yes, potatoes are a root) but there isn't any mention of eating roots and they definitely didn't eat potatoes.

5) Facts about turkeys:
If you're driving around the Northern Neck around dusk, male turkeys (toms) have a few distinguishing features: they're bigger (by about 8 to 10 pounds), they gobble (females make a clicking sound). If you're looking for signs of turkey, a tom's poop is spiraled while the hen's is J-shaped.

6) Thanksgiving isn't the only major holiday where turkey is consumed.
While Thanksgiving is the biggest day of turkey consumption. Christmas and Easter are the second and third biggest holidays turkey is most consumed. On the Northern Neck / Middle Peninsula you can have fresh turkey because, turkey season opens for one day in the Fall: Thanksgiving day.

7) Speaking of hunting, turkeys are very keen.
Don't move! A turkey can sense movement from over 90 yards away. A turkey can run 25 mph and fly up to 55 mph.

8) Eating turkey doesn't make you sleepy.
Turkey doesn't make you sleepy. When you eat a lot of food, particularly carbohydrates like potatoes and rolls, your body needs to digest. So you become sleepy so your body can use energy to digest the food. Similar to when you are sick and sleep a lot.

Now you have some talking points for your thanksgiving meal!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sources:
Smithsonian , History.com

The Northern Neck is know for it's beautiful waterfront properties. The main river and it's tributaries are not only scenic but they also offer habitat for many different species of fish, shellfish, birds and other wildlife. Below are five of the most common fish found in the water:

 1. Catfish

Also called spotted, speckled, silver, blue, channel or fork-tailed catfish these fish are a sporting catch on the river and tributaries. These catfish are grey with slick skin and 'wiskers'. You can catch catfish with just about any bait, though the most common bait is night crawlers or chicken liver. When you catch them, watch out for their spines on the top and side fins! Catfish are found in deep, slower pools of streams that are freshwater or brackish. They're seldomly found in dense weeds. Though catfish isn't a native to the watershed, fried catfish is definitely a Northern Neck favorite.

2. Striped Bass

Also know as striper or rockfish, striped bass is easily recognizable by several black, head-to-tail stripes on both sides. Striped bass spend most of their time in salt water but swim into fresh/brackish water to spawn in April/May. They range in size from the common 10 to 15 pound fish but can grow up to 40 or more pounds. To catch a 10 to 15 pound bass, you'll need a stiff pole and a heavier test line. To catch these bass you can use live bait or outfits that imitate small fish. They will generally travel in small schools and eat various small fish and organisms. There are regulations to keeping a striped bass, before Mid-May, a fisherman can't keep a fish smaller than 28 inches.

3. Bluefish

Bluefish are found all along the East Coast / Gulf of Mexico. They're name describes their markings (they have a bluish scale). In the ocean Bluefish can reach 40 inches long but in the Cheasapeake Bay they're usually around a foot long. Bluefish fillets make a nice grilling meat on the early spring / late summer. Keep in mind that they do migrate on an annual basis (south in the winter, north in the summer) and the larger fish (not generally found in the Chesapeake) have been know to 'snap' at fishermen, hence an alternative name for them is 'snapper'. 

4. Croaker

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Croaker are known for a 'croaking' sound made when they come out of the water. Croaker have silvery scales and can be found in the brackish water during the Summer months. Blood worms, worms, and other live bait can be used to catch croaker but many fishermen would argue squid is the best way to catch them. Professional fisherman also catch them enmass by skimming a net as they travel in schools in larger bodies of water. The fish can range in size from 10 to 24 inches and put up a good fight.

5. Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch are very common in the main waterways and tributaries because they prefer slower moving water. They grow to an average size of 6 to 8 inches. They have very distinctive yellow bodies with vertical black stripes. Perch are slow moving and cautious so live minnows are recommended. They stay in moderately covered areas and avoid the open water.

These are only five of the species of fish you'll catch in the Rappahannock/Potomac rivers and tributaries that create the Northern Neck. For more information on fish species check out Virginia's state website: Virginia Dept of Game and Inland Fisheries

There are so many great towns to see on the Northern Neck that weren't mentioned in "5 Towns you MUST Visit on the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula", that we're mentioning four additional towns that are worth seeing on your trip to the Northern Neck. Don't end your trip early without seeing these four towns:

1. Colonial Beach (Westmoreland County) - Colonial Beach is the birthplace of James Monroe (5th President of the United States). Located on the Potomac River, there are a variety of activities, sights and sounds to see. Stroll the boardwalk with outdoor dining, specialty shopping and hospitality venues. There's lots to do including boating, biking, fishing or just playing on the beach. You'll get a taste of waterfront small town with church bells ringing the hour and golf carts ruling the streets. Come see Colonial Beach!

2. Montross (Westmoreland County) - Montross, originally called Westmoreland Courthouse, is the location where a resolution was introduced by Richard Henry Lee on June 22, 1774, providing aid to a beleagured Boston, MA, following a blockade by Great Britain. Montross is is the hub of Northern Neck history as a great stoppage point within 15 miles of Westmoreland State Park, George Washington Birth Place, and Strattford Hall. Stop for lunch, grab some ice cream and head out to your next attraction. Check out more on their website: Town of Montross

3. Warsaw (Richmond County) - In 1846, Warsaw was renamed in sympathy of the Polish struggle for independence. Warsaw holds the county seat of Richmond County and was established in 1692. Downtown Warsaw has the busiest intersection in the Northern Neck at its five-point intersection. Stop in at 'The Daily' for a terrific lunch and let the kids play at the City Park. Warsaw also sponsors multiple events and farmer's markets throughout the year. Click the link or more information: Town of Warsaw   

4. Irvington (Lancaster County) - Located on Carter's Creek (a tributary to the Rappahannock River), Irvington has a rich history of the Steamboat Era. Named after Captain Levin H. Irvington, the town thrived in the 1890's and early 1900's when Steamboats brought goods and travelers to the area. In 1917, a fire destroyed much of the town at the end and rebounded as a Chesapeake Bay waterfront town. Come see the various museums and vineyards, play a round of golf, go shopping or just relax on the water at Irvington.

Enjoy your stay in the Northern Neck! 

Three nationally significant events happened on Virginia's Northern Neck.

1) In 1608 Captain John Smith was taken as a captive up the Rappahannock River, "From hence this kind King conducted mee to a place called Topahanocke, a kingdom upon another River northward". Many historians believe he was taken up Piscataway Creek. (Pictured below)He was later released as he returned twice more to explore and conduct a peace tready. More information can be found at the Essex County Museum. www.essexmuseum.org

2) On February 22, 1732 George Washington (yes, the same guy on the dollar bill) was born at Popes Creek in Westmoreland County. Young George lived there for the first three years of his life until his family moved to Mt. Vernon. George Washington Birth Place Info.

3) On January 19th, 1807 Robert E Lee (General of the Confederate Army) was born miles away from G.W. Birth Place at Stratford Hall. He too, only lived at Stratford breifly (four years) before moving to Alexandria. The Lee family owned Stratford for 70 years before Robert E. Lee's birth. www.stratfordhall.org

The Northern Neck offered new settlers rivers deep water access by boat and barge to what became our Nation's Capital, Washington D.C. This was particularly important to trade of goods. When you live in the Northern Neck you have the opportunity to live in history.

Up next week: Events on the Northern Neck