Turkey history

If it had been up to Ben Franklin America's national synbol would have been a Turkey. He thought the wild Turkey was a majectic creature so in honor of the Turkish people he named the bird Turkey!!

People of the Great Seal
Benjamin Franklin
Ben Franklin � the Eagle and the Turkey

The Society of the Cincinnati was formed after the American Revolution. Its name originates from Cincinnatus, the legendary Roman farmer-soldier who rescued Rome and then returned to his plow. George Washington exemplified the modern Cincinnatus.

Benjamin Franklin was critical of this Brotherhood of Revolutionary War Officers because membership was to be hereditary in the line of eldest sons, like titles of nobility. He believed that an organization whose members would be selected according to birth rather than merit was unwise.

In a letter to his daughter, written from France on January 26, 1784, Franklin casts doubt on the propriety of using the eagle to symbolize the "brave and honest Cincinnati of America." In fact, the image of the eagle used for the Society's insignia was poorly drawn and looked more like a turkey. Franklin, somewhat tongue in cheek, extends his argument to the superiority of the turkey as a symbol for the United States.

Eagles
Benjamin Franklin's Letter Comparing the Eagle and the Turkey

"For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him.

"With all this Injustice, he is never in good Case but like those among Men who live by Sharping & Robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank Coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District. He is therefore by no means a proper Emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the King birds from our Country . . .

"I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America . . . He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on."

        NOTE: "Because of their size, bald eagles are not concerned about threats from other birds. However, eagles are often chased by smaller birds, who are trying to protect their young. . . It was Benjamin Franklin's observations of a bald eagle either ignoring or retreating from such mobbing that probably led to his claim of the bald eagle's lack of courage." � American Bald Eagle Information

Ben Franklin suggests the rattlesnake as a symbol for America.

Back to American Eagle.

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Preliminary Design Committees

by the title there i thought you meant the nation turkey there, what a surpirze to see
this

Originally posted by eaglecap [/IMG]