Appears in
Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America

By Andrew F. Smith

Published 2004

  • About
In 1784Benjamin Franklin complained about the selection of the bald eagle as America’s national symbol, believing that the turkey was “a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America.” Although it is difficult to imagine images of turkeys replacing those of bald eagles on top of flag poles and in other national displays, Franklin was right. The turkey is an American icon.