The majestic bald eagle has served as the official national emblem of the United States since 1782. With its snowy white head distinctive brown body and impressive wingspan, the bald eagle is instantly recognizable as a symbol of America. But there’s a popular myth that Benjamin Franklin once lobbied for the turkey to become the national bird instead. Was there ever a time when the humble turkey was seriously considered as the American icon rather than the bald eagle? Let’s look at the facts behind this historical debate.
Franklin’s Satirical Letter
The myth stems from a famous letter written by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 criticizing the choice of the bald eagle as the emblem and musing that the turkey would be a better option. But most historians agree Franklin wrote this letter satirically not as a serious proposal.
In the letter to his daughter, Franklin calls the bald eagle “a bird of bad moral character” for its scavenging habits. He goes on to praise the turkey as “a much more respectable bird” and “a true original native of America.” This is the source of the legend that Franklin preferred the turkey.
However, it’s important to note the context. Franklin wrote this after the bald eagle was already declared the national bird. He likely intended it as a parody mocking the Society of the Cincinnati, made up of Revolutionary War officers, rather than seriously advocating for the turkey. The letter was never even sent to his daughter during his lifetime.
So while Franklin ribbed the eagle selection, he did not formally propose the turkey as a replacement national bird. There is no evidence he truly lobbied for the turkey in an official capacity. It was just a humorous letter, not a policy recommendation.
No Other Historical Contenders
In fact, there is no record of any other birds being seriously considered for the national emblem in early American history besides the bald eagle.
When Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams were originally charged with designing the national seal in 1776, neither of their proposals featured the turkey, bald eagle, or any bird. The first national seal and coin designs approved by Congress also did not depict any bird.
The bald eagle was introduced in 1780s proposals by consultant William Barton and Charles Thomson, the Secretary of Congress. Their designs featuring the bald eagle were quickly approved, cementing the bald eagle’s status by the early 1780s. There were no other contending birds suggested for the national seal or emblem.
Bald Eagle Officially Recognized
In 1782, the bald eagle was officially adopted as part of the Great Seal of the United States. Congress then approved the use of the bald eagle as the national bird in 1789 when it passed the first Great Seal Act.
No other birds were part of the legislative discussions or given formal consideration. The turkey was never proposed or discussed as an alternative national bird during the process.
While Franklin made some critical personal comments after the fact, the bald eagle was unanimously approved from the start as the national emblem without other birds being seriously contended.
Modern Confusion of Franklin’s Letter
So how did the myth gain traction that Franklin vouched for the turkey instead? A few factors likely contributed:
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Franklin’s letter was humorously convincing in his turkey praise and eagle criticism.
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The letter was not publicly known for many decades after Franklin’s death. When published in 1817, readers may have interpreted it seriously.
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Artists like Anatole Kovarsky created cartoons in the 1900s depicting Franklin proposing the turkey, adding visual confusion.
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Thanksgiving associations led people to assume turkeys had historical national symbolism.
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The letter is often shared today out of context without explaining Franklin’s satirical intent.
So while the legend is amusing, the evidence confirms Franklin never formally proposed or advocated for the turkey as national bird. Bald eagles can rest easy knowing turkeys were never seriously considered as competition! The bald eagle was the undisputed choice from America’s early days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Benjamin Franklin want the turkey to be the national bird?
No. While Franklin wrote a famous letter in 1784 criticizing the eagle and praising the turkey, this was intended as satire and parody. There is no evidence he formally proposed the turkey as a serious national symbol.
What other birds were considered as national symbols?
None. Beyond Franklin’s letter, there is no record of any other birds proposed for the U.S. national emblem besides the bald eagle. The bald eagle was approved unanimously.
When was the bald eagle declared the national bird?
The bald eagle was adopted as part of the Great Seal of the United States in 1782. It was officially recognized as the national bird in 1789 by an act of Congress.
Did early American leaders want the turkey instead?
No early American politicians, leaders, or artists ever formally proposed or lobbied for the turkey as the national bird. The story arises from a misunderstanding of Franklin’s satirical letter.
Why do some think Franklin wanted the turkey then?
Franklin’s humorous letter praising the turkey was not publicly known for many years. Later misunderstandings of his satire led to the turkey myth. Cartoons and Thanksgiving associations added to the confusion.
The Majestic Bald Eagle
While the turkey legend makes for amusing trivia, the proud and powerful bald eagle was the undisputed choice as the official U.S. national bird from the very beginning. No other bird was ever seriously considered for the honor. Benjamin Franklin’s letter praising the turkey over the eagle was purely satirical in nature and had no impact on the bald eagle’s status as the iconic American symbol. The bald eagle’s regal profile continues to represent American freedom and democracy around the world.