Thirty-eight colonists, led by Captain John Woodlief, arrived at Berkeley Hundred in Virginia, where they received a charter that declared their intentions for the area. This charter not only assigned guidelines for governance but also stipulated that the day of their arrival be observed as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God. This early observance of thanksgiving sought to recognize and celebrate divine assistance in the colonists' arduous journey across the Atlantic and their subsequent settlement efforts in the New World. The event took place in an era when many settlers faced overwhelming challenges, including harsh conditions and the threat of conflict with indigenous populations. Observing a day of thanksgiving demonstrated the settlers' deep religious convictions and the integral role faith played in their lives and community-building efforts.

This gathering at Berkeley Hundred can thus be recognized as a critical moment in establishing a tradition that would evolve into the more recognized Thanksgiving celebrations that would follow centuries later. The colonists' commitment to acknowledging a higher power for their achievements and sustenance was emblematic of the broader Puritan values that would influence the social fabric of early American society. Moreover, this observance was not merely a reflection of individual gratitude but rather a collective cultural moment that sought to reinforce community identity and unity among the settlers.