George Washington’s Thanksgiving proclamation for sale for $23m

The single-page document is written and signed by the first president of the United States, George Washington. In Washington’s own handwriting, it declares Thanksgiving — a historic American celebration — a national holiday.

The proclamation, signed on October 3, 1789 in New York, is one of two known surviving copies. The other resides in the Library of Congress.

Now, members of the public have a chance to own the rare piece of history, which is for sale via Moments In Time for a staggering US$15 million (A$23 million).

The historically significant document, which is considered to be in excellent condition, is being sold by an anonymous private collector. Its last recorded sale was in 1977, when it fetched $3,800 — about US$19,000 (A$29,000) today.

Though the price is hefty, it pales in comparison to what is believed to be the most expensive historical document in the US, an original copy of the US constitution which sold in 2021 for $66 million.

Washington’s proclamation points to the history of Thanksgiving as a Christian holiday designated to encourage Americans to give thanks to God.

“It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favour,” Washington wrote.

“Both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness”.

In the proclamation, Washington designated Thursday, November 26 as the first Thanksgiving Day. The holiday is now celebrated each year on the fourth Thursday of November.