A Brief History of the Influence of the Turkey on American Culture

Turkey has been the main course at Thanksgiving tables since the first official celebration declared by Abraham Lincoln. It was often a Christmas staple as well. Did you know the Mayans had domesticated them some 2,000 years ago? In the 1500s the Spanish explorers returned to Europe with domesticated turkeys, where they became a part of common livestock. The pilgrims brought some with them when they migrated to the New World, as it was known then.  

Difference between domestic and wild turkeys

 
Wild turkeys neared extinction until conservation efforts rebuilt the flocks. They are now in 48 states including Hawaii. The Wild Turkey can run up to 25 mph while it can fly as fast as 50mph. This wild variety is cunning and a challenge to hunt.

 
Transporting domestic turkeys

 
Before railroads and refrigeration cars, there was no practical way to get meat to market except alive. Turkeys were walked to market from farm to slaughterhouse, some in gaggles as small as thirty birds to thousands of them being wrangled across the countryside to the neighboring villages. All over the US and Europe, turkeys and other domesticated fowl were herded to market from farms to slaughterhouse.

I recall an article I read about turkey wranglers, men who drove turkeys from Iowa to Denver, Colorado. Tens of thousands of birds walked across the prairie. Although there was a wagon of corn available for food, the turkeys foraged along the way. It was a long trip because as soon as it was dusk they found a place to roost for the night. The drivers couldn’t make them go any further. And don’t take them over a covered bridge. The feathered creature thought the shade was an indication of nightfall, and the wranglers had to chase them from their perches. Wranglers avoided towns because turkeys by the hundreds roosted on roofs, shattering the buildings. They also watched for predators, and injuries, while doing their best to keep them moving. The flock covered about only ten miles a day, and after months of walking, made it to Colorado where they were sold—along with the uneaten corn—for a nice profit. 

 
Turkey trots as the drives were more commonly called were still used after the railroad because many towns had no rail station.

 
A dance and a run

 
Turkey wrangling or Trots continued into the early twentieth century. In 1905, as jazz was coming on the scene, the Turkey Trot was introduced as a dance. It was quickly banned as indecent. One couple was arrested for indecent conduct when caught dancing it,,and two women were fired for doing the dance on their lunch break. Here is a link to a dance instructor demonstrating. The legs and lower body movement and the flapping arms gave it the indecent tag. The foxtrot took its place and is still danced today.

 
Then the Turkey Trot became an 8K race on Thanksgiving Day. It has been an annual event in Buffalo, NY since 1896. Now Turkey Trots are all over the US. Some are not on Thanksgiving Day nor are they as long and are often fundraisers. Some participants run in turkey costumes.

Have you ever heard of the Turkey Trot in any of its forms?

Cindy Ervin Huff, is a multi-published award-winning author. A 2018 Selah Finalist. She has a passion to encourage other writers on their journey. When she isn’t writing, she feeds her addiction to reading and enjoys her retirement with her husband of 50 plus years, Charles. Visit her at www.cindyervinhuff.com.