The Tenacious Turkey - Our Avian Heritage

Benjamin Franklin's choice for what symbol should represent our burgeoning nation was curious. Franklin's proposal for our national bird came when the fledgling nation was seeking its identity and symbols that would embody its spirit and values. In a letter written to his daughter, Franklin expressed his preference for the turkey over the bald eagle, which had been chosen as the national bird. He argued that the turkey was a more respectable and noble creature than the eagle, which he believed was a scavenger that often fed on carrion.

Franklin saw the turkey as a bird that represented the qualities he admired in the American colonists: fierceness, independence, and tenacity. The turkey, in Franklin's eyes, was a bird that was native to North America and thus symbolized the land itself. Unlike the bald eagle, which was often associated with European royalty and imperialism, the turkey was a creature that belonged to the new world, embodying the spirit of independence that the colonists were striving to achieve.

The fierceness of the turkey was evident in its behavior; it was known to be a bold and sometimes aggressive bird. This characteristic resonated with Franklin and many of his contemporaries, who were fighting for their rights and freedoms against British rule. The turkey's independence was also a crucial factor in Franklin's admiration. It was a bird that could fend for itself in the wild, much like the colonists who were carving out their own destiny in a new land.

Moreover, Franklin appreciated the turkey's tenacity. The bird's ability to survive in various environments and its resilience in the face of adversity mirrored the struggles and determination of the American people. The colonists were facing numerous challenges, from harsh winters to conflicts with Native American tribes and British forces. In this context, the turkey became a symbol of the perseverance and strength that the colonists exhibited as they fought for their rights and established their new nation.

Franklin's view of national bird was not merely a matter of personal preference; it reflected deeper philosophical and cultural considerations about what the United States stood for. Franklin's proposal was met with a mix of humor and seriousness, as many of his contemporaries found the idea of a turkey as a national symbol amusing. However, Franklin's arguments were rooted in a profound understanding of the values that the nation was built upon.

Despite Franklin's passionate advocacy for the turkey, the bald eagle was ultimately chosen as the national bird in 1782. The eagle, with its majestic presence and soaring flight, was seen as a symbol of freedom and strength, qualities that the new nation aspired to embody. Yet, the turkey's near selection as the national bird remains a curious footnote in American history, illustrating the diverse perspectives and values of the time.

Our government chose the bald eagle for its regal and majestic appearance. It has remained a symbol of pride for all Americans throughout our history. Meanwhile, the turkey's nomination as the national bird became just a footnote in American history.

The American Eagle will always be our national bird. But, as we learned from Franklin, our avian heritage includes the turkey. In honor of the turkey, I dedicate this site.