What Happened in December 1619

Historical Events

The First Thanksgiving

Dec 4 38 colonists from Berkeley Parish, England disembark in Virginia and give thanks to God. Considered by many the first Thanksgiving in the Americas.

Famous Birthdays

  • Dec 17 Prince Rupert of the Rhine, English-German soldier (Royalist Commander English Civil War, 1stt Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company), born in Prague (d. 1682)
  • Dec 28 Antoine Furetière, French writer (d. 1688)

Famous Deaths

  • Dec 23 John Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg, Duke of Prussia (1618-19), dies at 47
  • Dec 29 Antoine Arnauld, French lawyer (Philippica), dies