<P> Christopher Columbus, as a hero and symbol, is an important figure in the pantheon of American myth . His status, not unlike most American icons, is representative not of his own accomplishments, but the self - perception of the society which chose him as a hero . Having effected a separation from England and its cultural icons, America was left without history--or heroes on which to base a shared sense of their social selves . Washington Irving was instrumental in popularizing Columbus . His version of Columbus' life, published in 1829, was more a romance than a biography . The book was very popular, and contributed to an image of the discoverer as a solitary individual who challenged the unknown sea, as triumphant Americans contemplated the dangers and promise of their own wilderness frontier . As a consequence of his vision and audacity, there was now a land free from kings, a vast continent for new beginnings . In the years following the Revolution the poetic device "Columbia" was used as a symbol of both Columbus and America . King's College of New York changed its name in 1792 to Columbia, and the new capitol in Washington was subtitled District of Columbia . </P> <P> In May 1607, the Susan Constant, the Discovery, and the Godspeed sailed through Chesapeake Bay and thirty miles up the James River settlers built Jamestown, Virginia, England's first permanent colony . Too late in the season to plant crops, many were not accustomed to manual labor . Within a few months, some settlers died of famine and disease . Only thirty - eight made it through their first year in the New World . Captain John Smith, a pirate turned gentleman turned the settlers into foragers and successful traders with the Native Americans, who taught the English how to plant corn and other crops . Smith led expeditions to explore the regions surrounding Jamestown, and it was during one of these that the chief of the Powhatan Native Americans captured Smith . According to an account Smith published in 1624, he was going to be put to death until the chief's daughter, Pocahontas, saved him . From this the legend of Pocahontas sprang forth, becoming part of American folklore, children's books, and movies . </P> <P> Plymouth Rock is the traditional site of disembarkation of William Bradford and the Mayflower Pilgrims who founded Plymouth Colony in 1620, and an important symbol in American history . There are no contemporary references to the Pilgrims' landing on a rock at Plymouth . The first written reference to the Pilgrims landing on a rock is found 121 years after they landed . The Rock, or one traditionally identified as it, has long been memorialized on the shore of Plymouth Harbor in Plymouth, Massachusetts . The holiday of Thanksgiving is said to have begun with the Pilgrims in 1621 . They had come to America to escape religious persecution, but then nearly starved to death . Some friendly Native Americans (including Squanto) helped the Pilgrims survive through the first winter . The perseverance of the Pilgrims is celebrated during the annual Thanksgiving festival . </P> <P> George Washington (February 22, 1732--December 14, 1799), the country's first president, is often said to be the father of his country . Apocryphal stories about Washington's childhood include a claim that he skipped a silver dollar across the Rappahannock River at Ferry Farm . Another tale claims that as a young child, Washington chopped down his father's cherry tree . His angry father confronted the young Washington, who proclaimed "I cannot tell a lie" and admitted to the transgression, thus illuminating his honesty . Parson Mason Locke Weems mentions the first citation of this legend in his 1806 book, The Life of George Washington: With Curious Anecdotes, Equally Honorable to Himself and Exemplary to His Young Countrymen . This anecdote cannot be independently verified . Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) is also known to have spread the story while lecturing, personalizing it by adding "I have a higher and greater standard of principle . Washington could not lie . I can lie but I won't ." </P>

Which historical figure is known for his part in the first thanksgiving in the americas