Who Proposed the Turkey as National Bird? The Untold Story
The push to make the turkey the national bird of the United States is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin. However, while Franklin did independently praise the turkey as a more respectable bird than the bald eagle, he never officially proposed it.
The Myth of the National Turkey
The narrative of the turkey almost becoming the national bird is a captivating tale, often steeped in misinterpretation and a dash of humor. While the bald eagle ultimately secured the honor, the idea of the turkey as its rival, thanks to Franklin’s commentary, has become deeply ingrained in American folklore. The reality, though, is more nuanced.
Benjamin Franklin and the Eagle Criticism
Benjamin Franklin’s sentiments regarding the bald eagle are well-documented. In a letter to his daughter Sarah Bache in 1784, written after the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization for Revolutionary War officers, adopted the bald eagle as its emblem, he expressed his disapproval. He didn’t directly advocate for the turkey as the national bird; rather, he criticized the bald eagle as possessing “bad moral Character” and being a “Rank coward” and “too lazy to fish for himself”. He compared the eagle to the turkey, which he described as a “much more respectable Bird” and “though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage”. This statement, critical of the eagle and laudatory of the turkey, became the foundation of the popular belief.
The Selection Process of the Bald Eagle
The selection of the bald eagle as the national bird was not a rapid or simple decision. It involved a Congressional committee and a gradual acceptance over several years. The eagle’s symbolism, representing strength, freedom, and sovereignty, resonated with the fledgling nation.
- 1782: The Continental Congress adopted the bald eagle as the emblem of the United States on the Great Seal.
- Symbolism: The eagle represented power, spirit, and independence – qualities deemed crucial for the new nation.
- Formal Adoption: While the eagle was on the Great Seal, it wasn’t officially declared the national bird until much later.
The Turkey’s “Qualifications”
Although Franklin didn’t officially propose the turkey, it’s interesting to consider its potential merits as a national symbol. Turkeys are native to North America, unlike the bald eagle which also exists in other regions. They also played a significant role in the diet of early settlers and Indigenous populations. This connection to the land and its people could have been a strong argument in its favor.
Why the Turkey Didn’t Stand a Chance (Officially)
The fundamental reason the turkey never became the national bird boils down to a simple fact: no formal proposal was ever made. Franklin’s comments, while influential in shaping public perception, were just that – comments. There was no serious legislative effort to replace the bald eagle. The eagle’s established place on the Great Seal and its association with the values of the nation proved too strong to overcome.
The Lasting Legacy of a Near Miss
Despite never being officially considered, the myth of the turkey as a near-national bird contender persists. This narrative highlights:
- A touch of humor in American history: The story injects a lighthearted element into the serious process of nation-building.
- The power of public perception: Franklin’s words, though not an official proposal, have shaped how many Americans view both the bald eagle and the turkey.
- The importance of understanding context: Distinguishing between personal opinions and official legislative action is crucial for understanding history.
Comparing the Bald Eagle and the Turkey
| Feature | Bald Eagle | Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| Native to | North America (and other regions) | North America |
| Symbolism | Strength, Freedom, Sovereignty | Abundance, Harvest, Resourcefulness (Potentially) |
| Official Status | National Bird of the United States | None |
| Key Advocate | Symbolically represented in Continental Congress | Benjamin Franklin (unofficially, through commentary) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Benjamin Franklin often credited with proposing the turkey?
Benjamin Franklin’s letter to his daughter, in which he criticized the bald eagle and praised the turkey, is the source of this misconception. His comments were interpreted as an endorsement of the turkey as a superior national symbol. However, it’s essential to remember this was a personal opinion and not a formal proposal.
Did anyone besides Franklin support the idea of the turkey as the national bird?
While no prominent figures explicitly advocated for the turkey with the same vehemence as Franklin criticized the eagle, some have humorously echoed similar sentiments throughout history. This support remains largely anecdotal and lacks any official backing.
Was there ever a vote or legislative action to choose between the eagle and the turkey?
No official vote or legislative action was ever taken to formally consider the turkey as an alternative to the bald eagle for the national bird designation. The bald eagle was already symbolically chosen.
What qualities did Franklin admire in the turkey?
Franklin admired the turkey’s courage and its native status to North America. He considered it a more respectable bird than the bald eagle, which he viewed as a scavenger and a coward.
Why was the bald eagle ultimately chosen as the national bird?
The bald eagle was chosen primarily for its symbolic representation of strength, freedom, and sovereignty – qualities the fledgling nation sought to embody. It already had a place on the Great Seal.
Is the story about the turkey a completely false urban legend?
It’s not entirely false. Franklin did express his preference for the turkey, and this sentiment has contributed to the enduring myth. However, the story is often exaggerated and misconstrued as a formal proposal.
What impact has the “turkey for national bird” myth had on American culture?
The myth has added a touch of humor to the selection of the national bird and highlights the importance of distinguishing between personal opinions and official decisions. It also serves as a reminder of the complex and sometimes quirky aspects of American history.
Is there any chance the turkey could ever become the national bird in the future?
Highly unlikely. The bald eagle has become deeply entrenched as a national symbol, and there is no significant movement to change it. Furthermore, the selection process would likely be highly politicized and face substantial opposition.
How does this story reflect Benjamin Franklin’s personality?
The anecdote is very much inline with Franklin’s personality; known for his wit, contrarian views, and love of a good debate. He wasn’t afraid to challenge conventional wisdom, even on matters of national symbolism.
What are the arguments against the turkey as the national bird?
Aside from the lack of official support, some argue that the turkey lacks the majestic presence and symbolic weight of the bald eagle. Its association with Thanksgiving, while positive, might be seen as too specific and limiting.
Does any other country have the turkey as its national bird?
To date, no country has officially designated the turkey as its national bird. It remains primarily associated with North American culture and cuisine.
What can we learn from the misunderstanding surrounding the turkey and the bald eagle?
We can learn the importance of verifying information and understanding the context in which statements are made. The “turkey for national bird” story serves as a cautionary tale against accepting anecdotes as historical fact without proper scrutiny. It also highlights how easily myths can develop and spread.