Updated: November 20, 2012

By Christa Fletcher

The story of the colonists' survival in the New World, thanks to their relationship with Native Americans has gone down in history through the traditional meal and celebration of Thanksgiving. Though many foods and recipes used in our modern-day feasts differ from those eaten at the first Thanksgiving, the tradition of generosity and appreciation are always part of the menu.

After a long voyage across the Atlantic to the New World, the colonists experienced a tough year once their boat reached Cape Cod in what is now known as New England. After fighting much disease and settling in Plymouth, the pilgrims, as they are now called, made an alliance with the Pawtuxet and Wampanoag tribes.

The Native Americans taught the pilgrims about fishing, growing corn and finding other foods to harvest. The first Thanksgiving was said to take place after their first successful harvest. Now, many Americans celebrate the holiday by embracing their own family traditions. The theme of gratitude is always a main course.

Take a bite out of our feast of Thanksgiving trivia below.