This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
The Great American Bird Turkey in American Lore
The article traces the turkey in American history from prehistoric cave remains in Arizona to its cultural significance among Indian tribes. It notes scientific finds by Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Maya glyph records, Cortes era introductions, and Coronado expeditions, detailing domestication, trade, and the bird’s spread from Mexico to Europe and beyond. Turkey feathers play key ceremonial roles for the Pamunkey, Apache, and Cheyenne, while Benjamin Franklin’s national-bird claim is discussed alongside etymology from Turkey and Dinde origins. It also explains varieties such as the Mexican, Honduras, and bronze stock, with six U S varieties named: bronze Narragansett buff slate white black, highlighting differences in size and plumage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Arizona
National Museum
C. Hart Merriam
Turkey
Cortes
Mexico
Benjamin Franklin
United States
China
Russia
Germany
America
Rio Grande
Coronado
Mississippi
Texas
New Mexico
Southwest
Spain
France
Charles IX
Elizabeth of
Austria
American
England
Atlantic Ocean
New England
Massachusetts
Maryland
Virginia
Carolinas
Florida
Richmond
Keys
Europe
India
West Indian Islands
Honduras
The
Republic
Central America
Narragansett