5. Grave Robbing for Survival
Desperation drove Pilgrims to raid Native American graves for corn and supplies during their first harsh winter—a practice rarely acknowledged in traditional Thanksgiving tales. In one instance, they unearthed a grave containing a child’s bones wrapped in beads and a small bow, as well as an adult male’s remains accompanied by a knife and other items. They took several of the prettiest things to carry away with them, and covered the body up again. After this, they dug in several like places, but found no more corn, nor anything else but graves. (wcdsva.org)
