pilgrims voyage on the mayflower

MayflowerHistory.com

Voyage of the mayflower.

The  Mayflower  was hired in London, and sailed from London to Southampton in July 1620 to begin loading food and supplies for the voyage--much of which was purchased at Southampton.  The Pilgrims were mostly still living in the city of Leiden, in the Netherlands.  They hired a ship called the  Speedwell  to take them from Delfshaven, the Netherlands, to Southampton, England, to meet up with the  Mayflower .  The two ships planned to sail together to Northern Virginia.  The  Speedwell  departed Delfthaven on July 22, and arrived at Southampton, where they found the  Mayflower  waiting for them.  The  Speedwell  had been leaking on her voyage from the Netherlands to England, though, so they spent the next week patching her up.

On August 5, the two ships finally set sail for America.  But the  Speedwell  began leaking again, so they pulled into the town of Dartmouth for repairs, arriving there about August 12.  The  Speedwell  was patched up again, and the two ships again set sail for America about August 21.  After the two ships had sailed about 300 miles out to sea, the  Speedwell  again began to leak.  Frustrated with the enormous amount of time lost, and their inability to fix the Speedwell so that it could be sea-worthy, they returned to Plymouth, England, and made the decision to leave the  Speedwell  behind.  The  Mayflower  would go to America alone.  The cargo on the  Speedwell  was transferred over to the  Mayflower ; some of the passengers were so tired and disappointed with all the problems that they quit and went home.  Others crammed themselves onto the already very crowded  Mayflower . 

Finally, on September 6, the  Mayflower  departed from Plymouth, England, and headed for America.  By the time the Pilgrims had left England, they had already been living onboard the ships for nearly a month and a half.  The voyage itself across the Atlantic Ocean took 66 days, from their departure on September 6, until Cape Cod was sighted on 9 November 1620.  The first half of the voyage went fairly smoothly, the only major problem was sea-sickness.  But by October, they began encountering a number of Atlantic storms that made the voyage treacherous.  Several times, the wind was so strong they had to just drift where the weather took them, it was not safe to use the ship's sails.  The Pilgrims intended to land in Northern Virginia, which at the time included the region as far north as the Hudson River in the modern State of New York.  The Hudson River, in fact, was their originally intended destination.  They had received good reports on this region while in the Netherlands.  All things considered, the  Mayflower  was almost right on target, missing the Hudson River by just a few degrees.

As the  Mayflower  approached land, the crew spotted Cape Cod just as the sun rose on November 9.  The Pilgrims decided to head south, to the mouth of the Hudson River in New York, where they intended to make their plantation.  However, as the  Mayflower  headed south, it encountered some very rough seas, and nearly shipwrecked.  The Pilgrims then decided, rather than risk another attempt to go south, they would just stay and explore Cape Cod.  They turned back north, rounded the tip, and anchored in what is now Provincetown Harbor.  The Pilgrims would spend the next month and a half exploring Cape Cod, trying to decide where they would build their plantation.  On December 25, 1620, they had finally decided upon Plymouth, and began construction of their first buildings.

The Mayflower attempted to depart England on three occasions, once from Southampton on 5 August 1620; once from Darthmouth on 21 August 1620; and finally from Plymouth, England, on 6 September 1620.

The Mayflower departed Plymouth, England, on 6 September 1620 and arrived at Cape Cod on 9 November 1620, after a 66 day voyage.

After sighting Cape Cod, the Mayflower heads south hoping to reach the mouth of the Hudson River in modern-day New York (then a part of Northern Virginia), but were forced back to Provincetown Harbor in Cape Cod after encountering treacherous seas.

Trailing the Mayflower - The Iconic Ship of a Pilgrim Voyage to the New World

• Read Later  

One of the most famous voyages from England to Virginia was on the Mayflower. This ship became the symbol of the search for a new life and pilgrimage to the New World in the 17th century. 2020 marks the 400 year anniversary of this historic vessel’s iconic voyage.

The origins of the Mayflower are uncertain however it is known that the ship was bought around 1607 by Christopher Jones and his business partners. The first well-documented voyage of the ship happened in 1609. The destination was Trondheim in Norway. It was hired by Andrew Pawling to take cargo from London to Norway. The crew was also instructed to buy tar, fish, and lumber and bring it back to England. Unfortunately, the crew lost most of the goods during a storm. After this situation, the Mayflower traveled for the same purposes to France, Spain, and Germany.

The Mayflower at sea. ( Public Domain )

The Mayflower was a classic merchant ship built in the 17th century. It was square-rigged, beak-bowed, and could travel with 180 tons of cargo. It measured about 100 feet (30.5 m) in length and 25 feet (7.5 m) at its widest point. The Mayflower wasn't created to sail on the ocean and it didn't sail well against the wind. But when Jones and his crew returned from Bordeaux, France, in May 1620, they were hired for a special voyage…

The Mayflower’s Voyage into the Unknown

The Mayflower started its legendary voyage from Plymouth to the New World in September 1620. Apart from a crew of around 30 people, there were 102 passengers on the ship. The pilgrims paid Jones to take them to northern Virginia.

Jones was a 50-year-old man from Essex, England. He was a sea veteran who valued money and freedom. He appreciated his lifestyle as a sailor, and did not treat the travel to Virginia as anything more than another job.

Model of a typical merchantman of the period, showing the cramped conditions that had to be endured. ( CC BY-SA 3.0 )

The men, women, children, and animals on the Mayflower faced the same difficulties as others who made the voyage across the Atlantic Ocean during the times of the colonization of North America. Jones had never been in the New World before, but some of his co-workers, like Robert Coppin and John Clarke (the master mates), had been there before. The passengers were not ready for the cold and other weather conditions and they suffered from tuberculosis, pneumonia, and scurvy . Two passengers died and a baby girl named Oceanus was born at sea.

• The American Tradition of Thanksgiving: A Harvest Festival with Roots in the Old World
• Would you take a Medieval Journey? Man recreates Pilgrimage across England with period supplies only

The Mayflower arrived in the New World a few weeks after it left England. The crew reported on November 9, 1620, that they sighted land in the area which is currently known as Cape Cod. The ship went back to England in April 1621. It left a group of people behind, who were not the first settlers on the continent, but they did create a few iconic symbols for the future United States of America.

A New Home in Virginia

The pilgrims created Plymouth Colony, supported with an agreement signed in 1620. It was the main legal instrument to confirm the arrival and creation of new settlements in New England . The text of the Mayflower Compact was published on November 11, 1620, but it received its name in 1793. The document, written by the new inhabitants of New Virginia, became the basis for the future Declaration of Independence and constitution of the USA. The document stated:

''In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, etc. Having undertaken for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith and Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the First Colony in the Northern Parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, Covenant and Combine ourselves together in a Civil Body Politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France and Ireland the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini 1620.''

Signing the Mayflower Compact 1620, a painting by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris 1899. ( Public Domain )

Apart from their defensive fort, houses, and community storehouses, the people who arrived in northern Virginia also built a meetinghouse to hold their church services, court sessions, and town meetings. In 1621, the colonists of Plymouth celebrated the holiday Thanksgiving , which was a harvest feast after a good growing season. A previous Ancient Origins article describes how vital the Pokanoket tribe were to that day:

The Pokanoket tribe, as the Wampanoag nation was also known, saved the Mayflower Pilgrims from starvation in 1620-’21 despite apprehension they felt because of violence by other explorers earlier in history. But early on the Pilgrims made a peace pact with the Pokanoket, who were led by Chief Massasoit. One Indian, Tisquantum or Squanto could speak English. He and his people taught the Pilgrims what they needed to know about farming in the area that became known as New England. In November 1621 the natives and Pilgrims celebrated what we call Thanksgiving.

The Ship’s Significance

In 1622, Jones died of a mysterious disease which he had contracted in the New World. He is buried at St Mary’s Church in Rotherhithe, London, England. The Mayflower awaited a new fate for the next two years. However, it was considered an old ship and not useful, so it was either taken apart and used as timber to build a barn, or rebuilt into a new ship.

• The Columbus Myth
• Walking the footsteps of ancestors, the ancient pilgrimage of Camino de Santiago

Nevertheless, the legend of the Mayflower was already very strong, so the English built a new ship with the same name. It brought 35 passengers from London to the colony in Plymouth in 1629 and it transported passengers between the two continents until about 1642. Pilgrim journeys to America started in 1608, but the Mayflower's passengers made one of the biggest impacts on the new society, and opened a new chapter in history.

Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor by William Halsall (1882). ( Public Domain )

A Challenging Legacy: Mayflower 400

In 2020, the Wampanoag , United States of America, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have been commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower's famous voyage. The nations had planned many exciting events for Mayflower 400, however several programs have had to be changed, conducted online, cancelled, or postponed due to the current pandemic. One of the ambitious projects that has been completed is the Virtual Mayflower project – a VR model of the Mayflower ship.

An image showing early VR models of the Mayflower and Speedwell. The Speedwell was left behind in Sutton Pool after two attempts to make the transatlantic crossing failed. ( HIT Team, University of Birmingham )

According to the Mayflower 400 website, the main goal is “an honest, broad and inclusive commemoration of the ship’s sailing from England to America and its often challenging legacy.” The project leaders are exploring themes of migration, humanity, oppression, persecution, loss, and freedom. Despite the setbacks, Mayflower 400 is still underway and will continue into 2021.

Top Image: Mayflower II – this is a replica of the 17th century Mayflower ship. Source: Jim Curran /Adobe Stock

By Natalia Klimczak

Updated on November 24, 2020.

References:

Nathaniel Philbrick, Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community and War, 2006.

www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving

https://www.themayflowersociety.org/

http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2005.05.0026%3Achapter%3D2

http://mayflowerhistory.com/voyage/

www.mayflower400uk.com

http://www.history.com/topics/mayflower

http://www.plimoth.org/learn/just-kids/homework-help/mayflower-and-mayflower-compact

All I can say about Mayflower & Thanksgiving is at least they finally taught The Real History of Mayflower & The Wampanoag People.

I think what amazed me is the pilgrims came to New Canaan I'm surprised Plymouth Massachusetts wasn't renamed Canaan to begin with for Freedom of Religion experiencing Intolerance from England; only too come to The New World and return that same intolerance to Indigenous Tribe's, and Quakers.

I'm serious I watched this Finding your Root's episode and a few people on this program Dr. Gates and his Team traced; all the way back too The Puritans right in the middle of the 1600's, before we're known as America.

A relative participating on the show discovered that their great-grandfather was arrested and tried for giving shelter to some Quakers. It was nighttime and so Storming really bad I'm talking thunder & lighting, downpour at night before the day street lamps existed not too mention the bitter cold.

The Quakers knocked on his Door for shelter from The Storm He the Puritan Christian opened that Door and gave shelter to the Quakers in that awful Storm.

The Puritan Man wound up going to jail for giving shelter to the Quakers during a Storm; that's when Dr. Gates explained that back in England that the Puritans fled from King James had Quakers Executed it seems Hate towards The Quakers came with The Puritans it's shocking really.

The man wound up being excommunicated from The Puritan Community The Quakers he show Christian Love too? They took Him in and traveled elsewhere in Massachusetts to a place that became Quaker Capital, of The State of Massachuettes as for the Excommunicated Puritan wouldn't you know He became Quaker.

The Quaker Capital would become an economic goldmine in the long run The Whaling Industry would start there.

This is what I think of when reading up on history of The Pilgrims and strain relations with The Indigenous Tribes in general.

Time for me too go so until next time Everyone, Goodbye!

This article has a number of problems that maybe they don’t teach in grade school anymore: 1. There were only two deaths on the journey– a crewman (who had been at odds with the Pilgrims and was “struck down by God”) and William Bradford’s wife, who “fell” off the boat at anchorage where Provincetown is now, so she actually survived the journey. The deaths came about because of the harsh winter and lack of supplies; as Caroline noted above, the Mayflower could not carry all their needs – the Speedwell was supposed to bring more. The French seizure/blockade of English ships during the siege of LaRochelle also put strains on the supply of the colony (see Comment 5). 2. The Pilgrims did not start a “Church of England”. They were Separatists and wanted to worship separately from the Church of England. 3. My understanding is that Christopher Jones died in the New World, either in 1621 or on a later voyage, not in France. 4. About 20 years ago, maybe more, there were news articles (e.g., Newsweek) that someone had supposedly discovered the remains of the Mayflower incorporated into a barn in Kent or elsewhere in southern England. 5. An additional reference that might be useful is “Making Haste from Babylon” (sorry, don’t recall author except that he was English) which came out about the same time as Philbrick’s book, which I have not read yet.

I find it hard to believe the Mayflower was only 25feet wide. I had a garage that was on a piece of fenced property that was 35feet wide and 100feet deep and your telling me the Mayflower was ten feet narrower and held all those people, food and belongings? I don't think so!

Natalia Klimczak is an historian, journalist and writer and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at the Faculty of Languages, University of Gdansk. Natalia does research in Narratology, Historiography, History of Galicia (Spain) and Ancient History of Egypt, Rome and Celts. She... Read More

Related Articles on Ancient-Origins

Mayflower400 partner destinations:

• Stories of the Mayflower
• Who were the Pilgrims?
• William Bradford

The story of William Bradford

He may not have been first choice for the role of Governor of Plymouth Colony, but William Bradford became the man who would lead the Pilgrims during their formative years in America.

Despite being a long-standing member of the Separatist group and playing a huge part in their plans to sail across the Atlantic, Bradford was yet to assume any leadership role for the Pilgrims - but that was to change very quickly.

Against all the odds, he overcame the terrible sickness that swept through the Mayflower during the first winter and accounted for more than half the lives of the people on board.

Then, while grieving the sudden death of his wife - who passed away while the ship was anchored off Cape Cod - Bradford was chosen to lead the group after first-elected Governor John Carver collapsed and died less than six months after the Mayflower landed.

He served as Governor for many years, gaining re-election time and time again, and played a huge part in gaining the trust of the Native Americans - which led to what became the first Thanksgiving in 1623.

Bradford documented his experiences in an historic book titled 'Bradford's History of Plymouth Plantation, 1606-1646'.

Regarded as the most authoritative account of the Pilgrims and the early years in Plymouth Colony, it details the Mayflower voyage and what happened when the passengers and crew arrived in America.

The Manor House, Austerfield

Who was William Bradford?

William Bradford was born in the village of Austerfield , Doncaster, in 1589 to William Bradford and Alice Briggs, and was baptised at St Helena's Church.

Despite being born into a wealthy family, Bradford was to endure a tough childhood.

He is thought to have been brought up in Austerfield Manor House by his grandfather and uncles, after being orphaned at the age of seven.

A subsequent long illness meant that Bradford was too ill or weak to work on the family farm so, instead, he concentrated on reading and and studies - especially the Scriptures.

St Helena's Church in Austerfield

William Bradford's role in the Pilgrims' story

As a teenager, Bradford drawn to the local Separatist church, All Saints' Church in Babworth , Nottinghamshire, where he regularly listened to Richard Clyfton.

The congregation there also included fellow Mayflower passengers William Brewster and John Robinson .

Some years later, when the group faced prosecution, they started meeting secretly at Brewster's house, Scrooby Manor.

When their meetings came to the attention of the authorities, however, a number of the group - including Bradford - were imprisoned for 30 days in the cells at the Boston Guildhall , after attempting to flee to Holland.

The following year, they succeeded in fleeing the country via another route and arrived in Amsterdam in August 1608, before relocating to Leiden .

There, Bradford continued to live with the Brewster family and in 1613 married Dorothy May , the daughter of a well-off English couple from Cambridgeshire who were living in Amsterdam.

They had a son, John, who was born in 1617, before selling their home two years later - presumably to fund their voyage to America.

Scrooby Manor House

The voyage and time in Plymouth Colony

William and Dorothy Bradford left their three-year-old son with her parents in Amsterdam and boarded the Speedwell in 1620, before transferring across to the Mayflower when the Speedwell was deemed unseaworthy.

After surviving the treacherous transatlantic crossing, Bradford was one of the 41 “true” Pilgrims who signed the Mayflower Compact .

Shortly afterwards, though, he suffered a terrible personal tragedy.

While the Mayflower was anchored off Provincetown Harbour, the Pilgrims sent out several men to explore the region to seek out the best place to build their Colony.

Less than a month later, while her husband was ashore exploring, Dorothy accidentally drowned in the freezing waters of the Harbour after falling from the Mayflower.

After overcoming illness himself, and the death of first Governor John Carver , Bradford was elected to lead Plymouth Colony and was subsequently re-elected 31 times before his death, missing only five years.

In 1623 he remarried to Alice Southworth (nee Carpenter) and the couple had three children, William, Mercy and Joseph, all of whom survived to adulthood and married.

Later in his life Bradford acted as Plymouth commissioner for the United Colonies, and was President in 1652 and 1656.

An illustration of the signing of the Mayflower Compact

William Bradford’s death and legacy

William Bradford was generally sick throughout the winter of 1656/57, and predicted to his family and friends on 8 May 1657 that he would die. He passed away the next day at the age of 68.

At the time of his death he is believed to have owned a library of more than 100 books.

His own book, 'Bradford's History of Plymouth Plantation, 1606-1646', remains the most authoritative account of the Pilgrims and the early years in Plymouth Colony.

Famous and notable descendants of William Bradford include actors Clint Eastwood and Christopher Reeve, and William Hubbs Rehnquist, who served on the US Supreme Court for more than 30 years.

Bradford's wife, Dorothy, is also still remembered today. In June 1869, a fictional story was published in Harper's Weekly, in which her fall from the Mayflower was portrayed as a depression-induced suicide, involving an affair with Master Christopher Jones.

Although this story had no historical proof, it has nevertheless made it into some popular accounts of the Pilgrims and gets regularly debated in television documentaries about the Mayflower.

Illuminate Plymouth

The inspiration for Illuminate

“Just as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many."

When William Bradford penned those immortal words, he couldn’t have known that nearly four centuries later, they would spark an idea to unite people all over the world .

Illuminate 2019 marked a signature event in the Mayflower 400 programme - a spectacular festival comprising a dazzling programme of light shows and cultural extravaganzas that wowed crowds on both sides of the Atlantic.

The breathtaking series of events featured light-based art installations and projections at a number of locations across the UK, Holland and the US.

As well as providing a wonderful spectacle, Illuminate 2019 also helped mark the first Thanksgiving that took place between the Mayflower Pilgrims and the native American people in 1621.

Illuminate will return in 2020 at key Mayflower locations across the globe.

• Learn more about the passengers of the Mayflower with our  interactive guide

Sign up for the latest Mayflower 400 news

You'll be the first to hear the latest Mayflower news, events, and more.

Forgotten Password?

Mayflower 400 Proudly Supported by our National Sponsors and Funding Partners

• Website Privacy Policy

The Enigmatic Journey: How Many Pilgrims Embarked On The Mayflower To America

• Last updated May 23, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

The story of the Mayflower is one that has captured the imagination of generations. The brave pilgrims who embarked on this historic journey to America in 1620 were seeking religious freedom, a new beginning, and the promise of a better life. However, the exact number of pilgrims who set sail on the Mayflower remains a mystery. While some sources claim that there were 102 passengers on board, others suggest that the number may have been higher or lower. In this article, we will delve into the enigmatic journey of the Mayflower and explore the different theories surrounding the exact number of pilgrims who made this remarkable voyage.

What You'll Learn

The mayflower's voyage to america, the number of pilgrims on the mayflower, challenges faced by pilgrims on the journey, impact of the mayflower's arrival on american history.

In the early 17th century, a group of pilgrims boarded a ship called the Mayflower and set sail from Plymouth, England, to the New World in search of religious freedom. This historic voyage, known as the Mayflower's Voyage to America, is a significant event in American history.

The Mayflower departed from England on September 6, 1620, with a crew of about 30 members and carried a total of 102 passengers onboard. These passengers were primarily English Separatists known as pilgrims, who sought religious autonomy from the Church of England. They embarked on this treacherous journey with the hope of establishing a new colony where they could freely practice their faith.

The journey across the Atlantic Ocean was not easy. The Mayflower encountered severe weather conditions and stormy seas, which caused the ship to endure significant damage. Despite the challenges they faced at sea, the pilgrims remained resilient and determined to reach their destination.

After 66 arduous days at sea, the Mayflower finally arrived at Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on November 9, 1620. However, the original plan was to establish the colony farther south, near the mouth of the Hudson River. Due to the treacherous seas, the ship was forced off course, and the pilgrims found themselves in an unfamiliar and harsh environment.

Upon arrival, the pilgrims faced many hardships, including cold weather, limited resources, and a lack of shelter. Nevertheless, they persevered and established Plymouth Colony, laying the foundation for what would become present-day Massachusetts.

Today, we commemorate the Mayflower's Voyage to America through various historical landmarks and events. Plymouth Rock, a symbol of the pilgrims' arrival, stands as a reminder of their brave journey. Every year, on Thanksgiving Day, Americans remember the pilgrims and their struggles by gathering with loved ones to share a meal and express gratitude.

In conclusion, the Mayflower's Voyage to America was a pivotal moment in American history. Despite the challenges faced during the journey and upon arrival, the pilgrims' determination and resilience laid the foundations for religious freedom and the establishment of a new nation. The story of the Mayflower continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the courage and fortitude of those who came before us.

A Step-by-Step Guide on Checking In with Concur Travel

You may want to see also

The Mayflower is one of the most iconic ships in American history. It is famous for carrying the Pilgrims, who were seeking religious freedom, to the New World in 1620. The journey on the Mayflower was challenging and arduous, lasting over two months. But how many Pilgrims actually traveled on this historic voyage? Let's delve into the numbers.

There were a total of 102 passengers on the Mayflower. Of these, 41 were Pilgrims, also known as the "Saints." The remaining passengers, known as the "Strangers," consisted of individuals seeking adventure, economic opportunities, or other reasons for embarking on this perilous voyage.

The Pilgrims were led by William Bradford, who would later become the Governor of Plymouth Colony, and their religious leader, William Brewster. They were accompanied by their families and fellow congregants, as well as some hired men and women.

Among the Pilgrims were several notable individuals, such as Miles Standish, the military leader of the group, John Alden, Priscilla Mullins, and Mary Brewster, to name a few. Each of these individuals played a significant role in shaping the future of the American colonies.

The Mayflower was not a large ship by today's standards. It was approximately 157 feet long and 27 feet wide, with three masts supporting its sails. The Pilgrims and other passengers had to endure cramped and uncomfortable conditions, with limited space and provisions. The ship was not designed for long voyages, and the conditions aboard were far from ideal.

In addition to the passengers, the Mayflower also carried a crew of about thirty sailors. These sailors were responsible for navigating the ship, operating the sails, and ensuring its safe passage across the Atlantic Ocean. They played a crucial role in the success of the voyage, as their expertise and experience were vital in the treacherous journey.

The Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England, on September 16, 1620, and arrived in what is now known as Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on November 11, 1620. The journey was fraught with challenges, including storms, sickness, and even death. However, the perseverance of the Pilgrims and their determination to establish a new life in the New World allowed them to overcome these hardships.

So, the next time you hear about the Mayflower, remember that it carried 41 Pilgrims on their journey to America. These brave men, women, and children risked everything for the opportunity to practice their religion freely and build a new life in a land unknown to them. Their story serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of exploration and the pursuit of freedom that defines the American identity.

Exploring the Benefits and Drawbacks of Associations Having Travel Teams

The journey of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower is a fascinating tale of resilience, determination, and challenges. As the Pilgrims set sail from England in September 1620, they faced numerous obstacles that tested their courage and endurance. In this article, we will explore some of the challenges they encountered on their voyage to America.

• Limited Space: The Mayflower was a small vessel, measuring only around 90 feet in length. With over 100 passengers on board, including men, women, and children, the limited space posed a challenge for the Pilgrims. The ship was crowded, and privacy was practically nonexistent. This cramped environment tested their patience and ability to tolerate discomfort.
• Rough Seas: The journey across the Atlantic Ocean was treacherous and filled with unpredictable weather conditions. The Pilgrims experienced storms, strong winds, and rough seas, causing the ship to pitch and roll violently. Many passengers suffered from seasickness, which only added to their discomfort and made the journey even more challenging.
• Limited Supplies: The Pilgrims had limited provisions on the Mayflower, and their food supply was meager. They brought along barrels of salted meat, biscuits, dried peas, and cheese, but these rations were hardly enough to sustain them for the long journey ahead. As they faced delays and unforeseen circumstances, the scarcity of food became a pressing issue.
• Disease and Illness: The conditions on the ship were far from sanitary, leading to the spread of diseases and illnesses among the passengers. Close quarters and lack of proper hygiene contributed to the rapid transmission of illnesses such as scurvy, which is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. The Pilgrims struggled to care for the sick and prevent further outbreaks.
• Lack of Clean Water: One of the critical challenges the Pilgrims faced was the scarcity of clean drinking water. The Mayflower relied on rainwater collection, and as the journey progressed, the supply became increasingly limited. The Pilgrims had to ration their water carefully and find alternative methods to obtain drinking water, such as boiling seawater to distill it.
• Conflicts and Disputes: Living in close quarters for several months, tensions among the passengers grew. Disagreements over religious practices, leadership, and resource distribution led to conflicts and disputes. The Pilgrims had to navigate these internal conflicts while also dealing with the external challenges they faced on the journey.
• Uncertainty and Fear: As the Pilgrims sailed into uncharted waters, they faced uncertainty and fear of the unknown. They were venturing into a new land, far away from the comforts of home, and they had no idea what awaited them on the other side. The psychological toll of this uncertainty added an additional layer of challenge to their journey.

Despite these countless challenges, the Pilgrims persevered and arrived at Plymouth Rock on November 21, 1620. Their journey on the Mayflower is a testament to their strength and determination. By understanding the challenges they faced, we can appreciate the bravery of these early settlers and the difficulties they overcame to establish a new life in America.

Preparing for Holiday Travel: How Many Hours Ahead Should You Arrive at Seattle Airport?

The arrival of the Mayflower in 1620 had a significant impact on American history. This small ship, carrying a group of Pilgrims seeking religious freedom, forever changed the course of the New World. Here are some of the key ways in which the Mayflower's arrival shaped American history:

• Establishment of a New Colony: The Mayflower brought a group of about 102 passengers, known as the Pilgrims, to the shores of what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. These pioneers established the Plymouth Colony, which was one of the first permanent English settlements in North America. The successful establishment of this colony set a precedent for future European settlements in the region.
• The Mayflower Compact: Before disembarking from the ship, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, a governing document that established a social contract and rules for the new colony. This agreement laid the foundation for self-government, as it emphasized consent of the governed and the creation of laws for the general good. The Mayflower Compact is considered an early precursor to the United States Constitution and a significant milestone in the development of American democracy.
• Intercultural Contacts: The Mayflower's arrival brought the Pilgrims into contact with the Native American Wampanoag tribe. The Wampanoag people taught the Pilgrims essential survival skills and provided them with food and guidance. This initial interaction and subsequent interactions between European settlers and Native American tribes paved the way for both peaceful alliances and devastating conflicts throughout American history.
• Influence on Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims' first harvest in 1621 led to a celebratory gathering with the Wampanoag people, which is commonly referred to as the first Thanksgiving. This event, marked by a shared feast and expressions of gratitude, has since become a cherished American holiday. The Mayflower's arrival and the Pilgrims' survival in the New World contributed to the enduring tradition of Thanksgiving in American culture.
• Contributions to Religious Freedom: The Pilgrims' journey on the Mayflower was motivated by their desire for religious freedom. They sought a place where they could freely practice their faith without persecution. The establishment of the Plymouth Colony as a haven for religious dissenters laid the groundwork for the principles of religious freedom that would later be enshrined in the United States Constitution.
• Symbolic Significance: The Mayflower has come to symbolize the spirit of exploration, determination, and the pursuit of freedom that characterized the early European settlers in America. It represents the bravery and resilience of those who undertook perilous voyages across the Atlantic in search of a new beginning. The Mayflower's arrival signifies a turning point in American history, as it marked the beginning of a new chapter of colonization and cultural exchange.

In conclusion, the arrival of the Mayflower in 1620 had a profound impact on American history. It led to the establishment of a new colony, the signing of the Mayflower Compact, intercultural contacts with Native Americans, the influence on Thanksgiving, contributions to religious freedom, and symbolic significance as a representation of exploration and resilience. The Mayflower's arrival and the subsequent actions of the Pilgrims laid the groundwork for the development of the United States and shaped the course of American history.

Exploring Croatia: Visa Requirements for Travelers

Frequently asked questions.

There were 102 passengers who traveled on the Mayflower.

No, not all passengers on the Mayflower were Pilgrims. There were 35 Pilgrims and the rest were non-Pilgrim servants, officers, and crew members.

The Mayflower arrived in America on November 11, 1620.

There were 53 pilgrims who survived the journey on the Mayflower.

• Julia May Author Editor Reviewer Traveller

• Duke Trotter Author Editor Reviewer Traveller

It is awesome. Thank you for your feedback!

We are sorry. Plesae let us know what went wrong?

We will update our content. Thank you for your feedback!

Leave a comment

Travel photos, related posts.

Exploring the Travel Opportunities for 485 Visa Holders in Australia

• Mar 14, 2024

Exploring the Fascinating Land of South Korea: A Guide to Visa Requirements

• Apr 12, 2024

Exploring Hungary: Can You Travel with a Schengen Visa?

• Mar 21, 2024

Should I Travel While on a Student Visa: Considerations and Guidelines

• May 07, 2024

Tips for Keeping Cords Organized While Traveling

• May 11, 2024

Visa-Free Travel: Explained and Unveiled

The real history of pilgrim's ship the Mayflower in London

Thames Tunnel Mills, Rotherhithe, in South London. Christine Matthew / CC

From Rotherhithe, southeast London, the ship, the Mayflower, first set sail on its famous pilgrim's mission. It's all commemorated on the banks of The Thames.

Between 10 and 12 percent of Americans claim to trace their lineage back to the colonists that sailed from England on the Mayflower in 1620. Conventional wisdom has it that they named their landing place “Plymouth,” after the English town from which they sailed. The truth, however, is that the Mayflower had no more than a passing connection with Plymouth. A good proportion of its passengers were from the East Midlands, and the crew more likely came from South London.

It was from Rotherhithe in South London that the voyage to America really began. And perhaps surprisingly it is where today you’ll find more Mayflower memorials than anywhere else in Britain. So where does Plymouth come into the story?

The place where the emigrants eventually set up a colony had already been named New Plymouth (also known as Plimouth or Plimoth) by English soldier and explorer Captain John Smith of Jamestown fame. The name was one among many based on English counties, towns, and cities used to replace original native names. It first appeared on maps in 1616, four years before the Pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower . Since the place from which they had finally sailed in England was coincidentally also called Plymouth, they elected to retain the name for their settlement.

The ship was contracted and boarded in Rotherhithe, however, from where the  Mayflower  sailed to Southampton, 150 miles east of Plymouth. Here, more passengers embarked, and the  Mayflower  was joined by a sister ship called the  Speedwell , which had brought emigrants for the trip from the Netherlands.

Unfortunately, once at sea, the  Speedwell  soon began to leak, forcing the two ships to return to Dartmouth for repairs before setting off again. About 300 miles out to sea, the  Speedwell once more began to leak. This time they returned to Plymouth, which, being west of both Southampton and Dartmouth, made a more convenient port of call.

The  Speedwell’s  cargo and many of its passengers were then transferred to the already crowded  Mayflower , which set sail for the New World for the third time. So, despite its legendary connections with the voyage, the  Mayflower  might never have had sight of Plymouth had the  Speedwell been more seaworthy.

The  Mayflower  had been built more than 300 miles from Plymouth, in the North Essex town of Harwich, where it was launched and registered. Along with three business partners, the ship was purchased by the man who became its captain. He was Christopher Jones, who lived and was married in Harwich. His small business consortium then ran the  Mayflower  as a trading vessel.

I n 1611, Jones moved to Rotherhithe, a parish of Surrey, but now part of the London Borough of Southwark. (Londoners pronounce that “Suthuk”.) It was a place much favored by sea merchants because of its location on the River Thames, deep enough at this point for large ships to drop anchor and with easy access to the North Sea, into which the Thames flowed, with no intervening bridges to impede the journey.

Rotherhithe lies a little less than two miles to the east of Tower Bridge, on a peninsula that juts out into the Thames. Redevelopment is in the air for much of the area, which means now is the time to visit while the landmarks of its ancient history are still available to view.

For Mayflower chasers, the first stopping off point must be the pub at 117 Rotherhithe Street. One clue to its relevance in the Mayflower story can be seen on its rooftop: a weather vane in the shape of the famous ship. The pub has been called The Mayflower since 1957. Before that, it was the Spread Eagle and Crown, but in 1620 it was The Shippe Inn.

According to the popular myth, Captain Jones tied up the Mayflower alongside the pub to avoid paying mooring taxes. Today, if you walk down the steps to the left of the pub entrance, you emerge onto the foreshore where a jetty would have taken passengers and crewmen on board. The area around Rotherhithe in the 1600s attracted many outspoken Dissenters, who refused to conform to the official line of the Anglican Church. These separatists, who had broken away from the Church of England, would have seen a lot of traffic up and down the river as ships left for foreign climes. Add to this the presence of a famous sea captain within their community and it is hardly surprising that he was approached to take the religious rebels to a place where they might start a new life in the New World.

Captain Jones selected his crew from local mariners and in August 1620, with the first wave of passengers on board, the  Mayflower  left the steps close to what is today the Mayflower pub, bound for Southampton on the first leg of what became its historic voyage.

After the transatlantic journey, Christopher Jones returned to Rotherhithe, where he died in 1622. He and two of his business partners were buried in a local church, where his children had been baptised. That church, which dated to the 12th century, no longer exists. But the present Church of St. Mary the Virgin, which was built on the same spot in 1716, has three memorials to the captain and the voyage.

To reach the church from the Mayflower pub, you need to walk along St. Marychurch Street, which appropriately enough takes you past Mayflower Street. It’s a fine church, built to seat a congregation of 1,000 people, and designed by British architect John James, an associate of Sir Christopher Wren.

Commemorating the voyage and its crew, a plaque on the wall of the church tower states:

“In 1620 the  Mayflower  sailed from Rotherhithe on the first stage of its epic voyage to America. In command was Captain Christopher Jones of Rotherhithe.”

Inside the church, another memorial tablet, erected on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the consecration of the church, states: “The  Mayflower . Christopher Jones, Master, and part-owner was buried in this churchyard, 5th March 1622.”

The exact location of the graves of Captain Jones and his business partners is unknown, but in the churchyard there is yet another memorial, this one in the shape of a statue, showing the Mayflower captain holding a small child. He is depicted looking back toward England, while the child is looking forward to America. The statue, which was unveiled in 1995, is by designer and public art sculptor Jamie Sargeant.

R otherhithe’s final memorial to the voyage of the Mayflower stands at Cumberland Wharf, a short walk along Rotherhithe Street, east of the Mayflower pub. In a corner of this small square overlooking the river, there stands a statue of a Pilgrim and a small boy.

Although it’s pretty much certain today that the Pilgrims didn’t wear the smocks and tall hats with which they have become habitually associated, that’s the way the statue is traditionally dressed. The boy, rather incongruously, is dressed in the style of a 1930s newsboy. He is reading a newspaper, called the Sunshine Weekly , whose sculpted pages tell the story of the Mayflower and all that has happened in America since 1620.

The voyage is shown in a comic strip on one page; the other depicts images of America through the ages since a cowboy, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, American cars, a U.S. soldier, and more. The Pilgrim is standing ghost-like, reading the paper and pointing to a page over the boy’s shoulder, while a small dog leaps around their feet. In a further deliberate anachronism, the Pilgrim’s pocket contains a copy of the A-Z street map of London, which (despite not coming into being until the 1930s) is dated 1620. His pocket also contains a crucifix and a lobster’s claw, while various tools—scissors, hammer, pliers, and a paintbrush—are shown at the boy’s feet. The statue was commissioned in 1991, called Sunshine Weekly and the Pilgrim’s Pocket .

• "For valour" - A history of Britain's Victoria Cross medal
• The story behind Princess Margaret's wedding tiara
• Was Outlander's Black Jack Randall based on a real Jacobite figure?

Accommodations:

London City Hotel : Ideally situated for exploring Rotherhithe and London's best-known riverside landmarks.

Holiday Inn Express , Limehouse: Situated in the heart of London, Docklands, close to the river with easy train access to Central London.

The Tower : Close to Tower Bridge, Tower of London and St. Katherine Docks.

To Eat and Drink:

The Mayflower : The 17th-century pub in a converted warehouse overlooking the Thames, famous for its Sunday roast dinners.

The Salt Quay : British gastropub in a converted warehouse overlooking the Thames, famous for its Sunday roast dinners.

The Yellow House : Seasonal British menu with live music, particularly popular for its wood-fired pizzas.

* Originally published in April 2017. 

Related: London

BHT newsletter

You may also like.

• Most Recent

The spiritual claims and legends...

Have more spiritual claims and legends attached to Glastonbury than...

Recognising the style icon, Quee...

Over the years we've seen Royals break out some truly unique clothi...

The effect the Battle of Hasting...

In one battle, William the Conqueror led the Normans in sweeping aw...

In praise of a British favourite...

Winston Churchill called it “The Good Companions”. We call fish & c...

On this Day: Sir Arthur Conan Do...

A look at Sherlock Holmes' London and the life of his creator Arthu...

The story behind the Royal Famil...

Do you know the real story behind Anthony Blunt?

Traditional Victoria Sponge Cake...

Buckingham Palace's Pastry Chefs share their recipe for a delicious...

Discovering England by the ages

A traveler’s glossary of English eras.

10 Memorable Destination Visits ...

Creoso y Cymru! Welcome to the Land of Saints and Songs. Here, Celt...

Behind every great man - The lif...

Winston Churchill's wife Clementine Hozier was a formidable woman.

• History Classics
• Your Profile
• Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window)
• This Day In History
• History Podcasts
• History Vault

Mayflower Compact

By: History.com Editors

Updated: July 17, 2023 | Original: October 29, 2009

The Mayflower Compact was a set of rules for self-governance established by the English settlers who traveled to the New World on the Mayflower . When Pilgrims and other settlers set out on the ship for America in 1620, they intended to lay anchor in northern Virginia. But after treacherous shoals and storms drove their ship off course, the settlers landed in Massachusetts instead, near Cape Cod, outside of Virginia’s jurisdiction. Knowing life without laws could prove catastrophic, colonist leaders created the Mayflower Compact to ensure a functioning social structure would prevail.

Mutiny on the Mayflower

Of the 102 passengers on the Mayflower , there were 50 men, 19 women and 33 young adults and children. Just 41 were true Pilgrims, religious separatists seeking freedom from the Church of England .

The others were considered common folk and included merchants, craftsmen, indentured servants and orphaned children—the Pilgrims called them “strangers.”

Seeking the right to worship as they wished, the Pilgrims had signed a contract with the Virginia Company to settle on land near the Hudson River, which was then part of northern Virginia. The Virginia Company was a trading company chartered by King James I with the goal of colonizing parts of the eastern coast of the New World. London stockholders financed the Pilgrim’s voyage with the understanding they’d be repaid in profits from the new settlement.

But when the Mayflower landed in Massachusetts instead of Virginia, discord began before the colonists even left the ship. The strangers argued the Virginia Company contract was void. They felt since the Mayflower had landed outside of Virginia Company territory, they were no longer bound to the company’s charter.

The defiant strangers refused to recognize any rules since there was no official government over them. Pilgrim leader William Bradford later wrote, “several strangers made discontented and mutinous speeches.”

The Pilgrims knew if something wasn’t done quickly it could be every man, woman and family for themselves.

What Was the Mayflower Compact?

Pilgrim leaders wanted to quell the rebellion before it took hold. After all, establishing a New World colony would be difficult enough without dissent in the ranks. The Pilgrims knew they needed as many productive, law-abiding souls as possible to make the colony successful.

With that in mind, they set out to create a temporary set of laws for ruling themselves as per the majority agreement.

On November 11, 1620, 41 adult male colonists, including two indentured servants, signed the Mayflower Compact, although it wasn’t called that at the time.

Who Wrote the Mayflower Compact?

It’s unclear who wrote the Mayflower Compact, but the well-educated Separatist and pastor William Brewster is usually given credit.

One now-famous colonist who signed the Mayflower Compact was Myles Standish . He was an English military officer hired by the Pilgrims to accompany them to the New World to serve as a military leader for the colony. Standish played an important role in enforcing the new laws and protecting colonists against unfriendly Native Americans .

What Was the Purpose of the Mayflower Compact?

No one knows exactly what happened to the original Mayflower Compact. The accepted translation was found in William Bradford’s journal, Of Plymouth Plantation , in which he wrote about his experiences as a colonist.

The Mayflower Compact created laws for Mayflower Pilgrims and non-Pilgrims alike for the good of their new colony. It was a short document which established that:

The colonists would remain loyal subjects to King James, despite their need for self-governance .

• The colonists would create and enact “laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices…” for the good of the colony, and abide by those laws .
• The colonists would create one society and work together to further it.
• T he colonists would live in accordance with the Christian faith .

Plymouth Colony

Once the colonists agreed to work together, the hard work of starting the colony began. They elected John Carver as governor on November 21, 1620.

Carver had helped secure financing for the Mayflower expedition and served in a leadership role during the voyage to America. He’s also sometimes given credit for helping write the Mayflower Compact.

Search parties then went ashore to find an ideal place to settle. They decided on Plymouth, where the colonists endured a brutal winter. Ravaged by starvation, disease and lack of shelter, more than half of the colonists died, yet Plymouth Colony survived.

It has been argued the Mayflower Compact’s role in cementing the colonists’ dedication to each other and their mission was critical to their endurance that first winter.

John Carver survived the hard winter of 1620 but died in April 1621, and the colonists chose William Bradford to replace him. Under his leadership, Plymouth Colony started to thrive.

As more and more settlers arrived and colonized the surrounding areas, a General Court was established. Each town elected representatives to attend the court, thereby creating an early representative government.

Why Was the Mayflower Compact Important?

The Mayflower Compact was important because it was the first document to establish self-government in the New World. It remained active until 1691 when Plymouth Colony became part of Massachusetts Bay Colony.

The Mayflower Compact was an early, successful attempt at democracy and undoubtedly played a role in future colonists seeking permanent independence from British rule and shaping the nation that eventually became the United States of America.

Text of The Mayflower Compact

The full text of the Mayflower Compact is as follows:

In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the Faith, etc.:

Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith, and the honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one another; covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic; for our better ordering, and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.

In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, 1620.

Featured Articles

How the Mayflower Compact Laid a Foundation for American Democracy

Pilgrims had to find a way to get along with "strangers" on their ship once they landed in the New World.

The Pilgrims' Miserable Journey Aboard the Mayflower

During their two-month journey to America, the Mayflower's passengers faced cramped quarters, rough seas, limited food and numbing cold.

What’s the Difference Between Puritans and Pilgrims?

Both sought a different religious practice than what the Church of England dictated, but they were otherwise distinct groups of people.

Mayflower Compact: 1620. The Avalon Project. Mayflower Compact: A Foundation for Our Constitution . ACLJ. Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford. HistoryofMassachusetts.org. The Plymouth Colony Archive Project . The Mayflower Compact. Constitutional Rights Foundation .

Sign up for Inside History

Get HISTORY’s most fascinating stories delivered to your inbox three times a week.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Networks. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.

More details : Privacy Notice | Terms of Use | Contact Us

• 99.9 The Q: Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites
• Cape Country 104: Today’s Country
• Cape Classical 107.5
• Ocean 104.7

CapeCod.com

Your Source for everything Cape Cod

• Martha’s Vineyard
• Provincetown
• Cape Cod Closings
• Health News
• Sunday Journal
• Tickology: Tick Identification and Ecology
• Storm Center
• In the Community
• Election Coverage
• Environmental & Wildlife
• Cape Country 104
• Cape Wide News
• The National Seashore
• Permits and Licensing

Provincetown: Pilgrims First Landing Spot

Share this:.

PROVINCETOWN – The year 1620 is etched in the annals of world history. It is the year that a group of English settlers known as the Pilgrims seeking religious freedom boarded their ship, Mayflower, and braved a hazardous trip across the Atlantic Ocean to establish a new home.

But though many in this country know the story of the Mayflower , some might be confused about where the band of Pilgrims landed.

Many people would likely say that the Pilgrims landed at a spot to be known as Plymouth. True, the Pilgrims did land at Plymouth, dubbing it originally ‘New Plymouth,” since they departed from Plymouth, England.

But Plymouth was not the Pilgrims’ first landing spot in the New World.

Five weeks before coming ashore in Plymouth, the Pilgrims docked in at what is today Provincetown Harbor. In fact, the first written document alluding to government in the new colony, the Mayflower Compact , was signed by 41 Pilgrims while still aboard the ship in Provincetown Harbor.

The Provincetown Monument commemorates the Pilgrim’s first landing place at the Cape’s tip.

On November 11, 1620, the Pilgrims came ashore on land that is now in Provincetown on Cape Cod. The booklet, Mourt’s Relation , written mostly by Edward Winslow who would become the third governor of Plymouth Colony, shows a map of where the first steps on land were supposed to have taken place.

The landing place is commemorated with a plaque and a small park located in the middle of the rotary at the end of Commercial Street. It is appropriately called ‘Pilgrims’ First Landing Park.’

On a typical drive through the packed streets of Provincetown today it is very easy to miss this spot.  It is partially obscured by bushes and trees.

Nearby, there is a view of the West End Breakwater stretching out across the harbor to Long Point.  It is no wonder why many visitors have no idea that such an important piece of history stands before them.

Although First Landing Park is a somewhat understated tribute to the Pilgrims’ landing at Provincetown, there is another, much larger, tribute which is one of the most well known landmarks on the entire Cape.

The view from the top of the Pilgrim Monument.

Pilgrim Monument stands 252 feet tall and is made of solid granite. In addition it stands atop the nearly one hundred foot High Pole Hill bringing it to a grand total of approximately 350 feet above sea level.

Construction of the monument was begun in 1907 with the cornerstone being laid under the watch of President Theodore Roosevelt. He gave a rousing speech before returning to his home on Long Island aboard the presidential yacht which was also named Mayflower .

The monument was completed in 1910 and dedicated by President William Taft on August 5 of that year.

Inside the monument are 116 steps and sixty ramps leading to the observation deck and possibly the best view on Cape Cod.

To the southeast sits the very harbor where the Mayflower docked nearly 400 years ago. From that height it feels as though one is looking down from a cloud. There are Provincetown’s many historic homes, churches and shops. Looking southwest are the coastlines of Truro, Wellfleet and beyond. Binoculars are provided.

The architecture of the monument is modeled after the Torre del Mangia, built in Siena in the Tuscany region of Italy. This tower was built in the mid-14 th century and is made from stone, brick, and marble.

First Landing Park in Provincetown overlooks the West End Breakwater, Long Point and Provincetown Harbor.

Ironically the Pilgrim Monument bears no resemblance on the outside to anything to do with the famous English colonists. But inside set into the walls of the tower, there are many stone markers celebrating the towns of Massachusetts and mentioning the Mayflower Compact.

After five weeks exploring Cape Cod from Provincetown to Eastham, historians report that the Pilgrims got into a skirmish with the Nauset tribe of Native Americans and decided they might be better off settling in another location.

They left Provincetown and landed at Plymouth on December 16, 1620. The spot where Plymouth Rock currently sits under a beautiful Italian-style portico is purported to be only a few hundred feet from where the original Pilgrim settlement was created.

The history of the New World, the colonies, and the United States might usually begin with a mention of the Mayflower docking at Plymouth Harbor. But the Pilgrims first steps in the New World and the signing of The Mayflower Compact took place in Provincetown.

The Pilgrim Monument, First Landing Park, and several other historic Pilgrim-related sites are reminders that the Pilgrims left their first footprints on Cape Cod.

For more on the Pilgrims’ time on Cape Cod check out this YouTube Video below:

If You Go :  Pilgrim First Landing Park – Rotary which intersects Province Lands Road and Commercial Street.

Pilgrim Monument – High Pole Hill Road, Provincetown

Chris Setterlund, who lives in Yarmouth, is a lifelong Cape Codder and the author of  In My Footsteps , a guide to historical sites on Cape Cod.

From The CapeCod.com NewsCenter

CapeCod.com Poll Question

" * " indicates required fields

Read! Watch! Listen! Check Out Everything We Do At Cape Cod Broadcasting Media!

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2024 Cape Cod Broadcasting Media

Plimoth Patuxet Museums

Review Highlights

“ From learning about the Mayflower journey in history class in primary school, this made me interested enough to see the Pilgrim settlement in person. ” in 5 reviews

“ The people that work there are actors that stay in character as you walk through the site. ” in 41 reviews

“ Now the English village is interesting in its own way, don't get me wrong (mostly for the views), but the native village is far more fascinating... ” in 8 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

137 Warren Ave

Plymouth, MA 02360

You Might Also Consider

Regal Independence Mall & RPX

5.3 miles away from Plimoth Patuxet Museums

Regal Value Days

Blue Hill Observatory Science Center

Please give us a call to plan your visit! The oldest continuously operating weather recording station in the USA. Tours and educational programs every day by appointment and weekends including Monday holidays 10 to 4. Gift shop has… read more

in Observatories

Paint and Vino

Nicole B. said "I have been to this place many times and always enjoyed it. I was upset the last time, however. I had booked a paint night and an emergency came up last minute. I was unable to cancel my reservation 48hrs ahead so I had emailed them…" read more

in Art Schools, Paint & Sip, Venues & Event Spaces

Amenities and More

About the business.

Plimoth Cinema, Mayflower II, Plimoth Plantation, Shakespeare Summer Series, Plimoth Grist Mill …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Do we have to buy tickets online or can we buy them there?

You can purchase them at the entrance

Is the Thanksgiving Dinner worth the experience and price? I'm considering visiting from out of state and looking for others' more recent feedback. Thanks!

If your a first time visitor it's a wonderful experience. You will eat like a pilgrim. Some of the food is different than what you would normally eat. It's worth the price of admission Enjoy yourself.

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

203 reviews

Visited all the museums in September 2023.. Began at the Patuxet village. It has a great visitor center and the employees are very helpful to help you navigate the site. People in wheelchairs can navigate up paved pathways, but to walk the village you may want to use a cane. They do have golf carts that take you back to the paved pathway. We learned so much from the people dressed in period clothes speaking as if they were in the 1600's. We saw one of the people making succotash soup in pots over an open fire & you could sample when done. It's a lot of walking but there are several places you can sit. They have a nice gift shop The Plimoth grist mill is a short tour and they don't grind every day. You do have to climb stairs. The Mayflower II is a step back in our history. Being able to walk around and see how small it was. I recommend you purchase the museum package for all 3 places to save money. We ended our tour with pics of Plymouth Rock.

See all photos from Patty M. for Plimoth Patuxet Museums

We went to see the Mayflower today. Both Kallie and Bill were amazing. Kallie was so knowledgeable and both she and Bill were accommodating of our group. The middle schoolers we brought were so excited to get on board, it was all they could talk about. Thanks for all that you do to make history come alive!

My family has an insatiable thirst for history and historical settings. When we had an opportunity to visit Plimoth Patuxet Museums, we didn't hesitate. And we were not disappointed! In fact, we learned quite a bit about the struggles the pilgrims faced, and how they endured. The Museum is actually a series of activities that are scattered along a sizable reserve, complete with reproductions of both early Plymouth Settlement and an Indian village from the early 1600s. The grounds are extensive and require mildly strenuous walking. There were a few stairs to climb, so I'm not sure if the entire facility is handicap accessible. The complex also has a great cafe that serves both ordinary foods such as chicken strips and hamburgers, but it also features items consistent with foods the pilgrims might have eaten. We tried them and found them delightful--despite the complex flavors of foods I was unfamiliar with. We also had an opportunity to attend one of their sponsored festivals where the entire meal is a reproduction of a 15th century meal. SO FUN! You really should attend when the opportunity is available. The museums and grounds are kid friendly, and they encourage participation and interaction with almost everything they offer. Roll players are present and are a lot of fun to ask questions and watch as they go about recreating what a day in Plymouth would have been like for the pilgrims and Indians. And the Indians were actually Native Americans, so that was a treat to learn about their lives and hear their stories. All in all, you could spend several hours enjoying all that is offered. #todaysdiscovery #traviswinman

Came here when I was 10 years old, so on my family's trip to New England this year we decided to do it again with our 7 and 9 year old. We got the ticket that lets you also go to Mayflower II and the Grist Mill, which I was glad we did. The living history museum is beautiful and really looks like it probably did 400 years ago. The staff and reenactors were wonderful. My only complaint was that there weren't more of them. We came on a sunny Saturday and it was relatively empty - very few visitors and I only saw maybe 4-5 reenactors. They also have "modern" staff who can answer questions, but I wish there were more period actors to help the place come alive. That said, those who were there were great. I'd definitely come back.

Overall, our high school students had a great experience. They learned a lot of history and loved the hands on experience. Highly recommend to any school group or individual who wants to know more about our American history.

Plimouth Patuxet is a living history museum with a recreated native village and Pilgrim settlement on one property, a replica of the Mayflower (aptly named the Mayflower II) in downtown Plymouth, and replica of the Pilgrim's gristmill on a third site. We visited the villages and the Mayflower II on a beautiful 75 degree sunny day. The native village buildings were interesting, but there wasn't much going on in that area. They did have a couple of staff talking about the sleeping/living building and another talking about how they made their canoes. There was more happening in the settlement, which included a fort building and several homes with gardens. We talked with at least five re-enactors about life at the settlement. It was interesting. We also visited their craft building, where we learned about different types of pottery. The visitor center offers an introductory film, which I recommend viewing. It sets the stage for what you are about to experience. The visitor center also has a cafe where we enjoyed Native Succotash soup made with poultry, lima and kidney beans, corn, celery, and onions. It was delicious! We also got an Indian Pudding, which had the flavor of molasses, topped with whipped cream. It was a little too sweet for me. They have a large gift shop in the visitor center too. The Mayflower II was about a 3 mile drive into downtown Plymouth. The ship is beautiful, having been restored in 2000. We went aboard and learned about the shop and the Pilgrims' journey from the staff. It's worth the extra fee to add the ship onto your admission ticket. Bring situated in Plymouth, there are lots of cute shops and restaurants in the town. We found two parking lots and street parking. We used our Passport parking app to park in one of the lots. The price was $2/hour. They also have a gristmill to visit, which we did not visit. If you are looking for a great day trip out of Boston, or if your in the area, I recommend a visit.

See all photos from Chris K. for Plimoth Patuxet Museums

This was seriously fascinating - def buy the combo ticket that covers all 3 activities (museum/village, Mayflower 2, and Mill). You'll want to spend about half a day exploring all 3 - do note you'll need to drive between the locations as the museum/village is about 2 miles from the Mayflower/Plymouth Rock, and the Mill is about another mile from there. On a cold windy Boston day, you'll not want to walk that. The historical actors staying in character in the village are a hoot! You can go from house to house as the actors play out their daily activities in the life of an early colonist and interact and ask questions. Do note that this village is a re-creation of the early settlement and also not in the same location as the first settlement (that is actually right behind the Mill). The Mill is also a re-creation built in the 1980 as the original mill built by the pilgrims burnt down. There you can buy actual grains milled there every Saturday (it is an actual working Mill!). The Mayflower 2 was super fascinating as well. This was an exact replica of the original built in the 1950s in England at the same shipyard and sailed over to Plymouth. The guides on the ship had so much knowledge to share - fascinating to see what life was like on the 66 day trek onboard the voyage to Plymouth and how navigation worked (original ship had NO steering wheel) using just strings and pegs. Amazing. Plymouth Rock is located under a cupola a short walk from the Mayflower. Lunch at the cafe at the Museum - good amount of options , very reasonably priced and pretty tasty :)

See all photos from Sophia C. for Plimoth Patuxet Museums

Great history behind these grounds. Where the indigenous people used to live. Crazy to see how these used to live way back in the day and to progress to now a days. The villages were very awesome to see in person along with the buildings that have descriptions of everything. Very fun experience. Highly recommended

See all photos from Nick G. for Plimoth Patuxet Museums

If you are thinking of going for thanksgiving dinner, don't. I paid almost $100 per person for a conference like meal ( which didn't include wine or soda) in buffet style, no entertainment, and in a bland room. For numbers, they seat 300 people 4 times during the day. The price did include the museum. The walk-in cafe provided basically the same meal for $28. So I paid $40 for a waitress at a buffet, some veggies, apple cider and coffee and tea. I would not go back. Really they should have done better - this should be their big event but of the year. It was underwhelming.

As with many of the places that we visited on the East Coast on a recent trip, this was an absolutely amazing spot and made us want to come back and check it out again in the future! Plymouth plantation is different from Plymouth rock and was the area where the original pilgrims set up camp. The whole place is a rather large campus that has large trails that lead you through to different sections of the colony. There are areas where there are traditional Native American living arrangements including some really cool long houses, areas where they talk about making canoes out of one solid log, and areas where they talked about some of the agricultural practices. In another area, they have an actual colony set up with homes and actresses and actors that play the parts of early colonists. We got to talk to Mr. Standish for quite some time and the kids even got to help her make up a bed with a mattress that was filled with straw. A number of other people were distributed throughout the colony and interacting with them was a lot of fun. A young lady and an older woman were sitting outside of some of the houses singing a song that they taught our kids. We sang arousing version of a song I'd never heard that went' " Lady come down and see....The cat sits in the plumb tree." About three months later, this song is repeated by at least one of our children on a weekly basis. I fully expect somebody to sing this in their teenage years and ask where did this come from? Down at the far end was a building with a children's play area where there were tons of things to dress up in. Overall, we spent about five hours here and could've spent many more. We had a picnic at the picnic tables just after we came in and we're also able to grab some souvenirs at the gift shop. All in all, this place was awesome!

See all photos from Matt U. for Plimoth Patuxet Museums

23 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Art Barn Studio

19.1 miles away from Plimoth Patuxet Museums

This summer 2024, provide your young artist with 4 weeks of themed arts programming starting July 8 - 29 for ages 5-11. Each week students will explore a variety of media and themes. Artist and educator, Robyn Thompson Duong will… read more

in Commissioned Artists, Paint & Sip, Art Classes

Collections Including Plimoth Patuxet Museums

For Boston Vacation

By Anthony G.

A California Boy in Boston

Plymouth: My Old Sandwich Road Race Weekend!

By David M.

Ideas for out-of-towners

Flam's Cape Cod Summers

By Karen F.

My Life on the South Shore.

By Wilson W.

Vacation 2021

By Krystina F.

New England Summer

By Allie C.

By Diane S.

People Also Viewed

Pilgrim Hall Museum

Heritage Museums & Gardens

Mayflower II

Atwood Museum

Aptucxet Trading Post Museum

Jenney Interpretive Centre

Sandwich Glass Museum

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum

1699 Historic Winslow House

Best of Plymouth

Things to do in Plymouth

People found Plimoth Patuxet Museums by searching for…

Best Plimoth Plantation Wedding in Plymouth

Best Plymouth Ma in Plymouth

Best Plymouth Plantation in Plymouth

Plymouth Colony Reenactment in Plymouth

Thanksgiving Dinner in Plymouth

What To Do Today in Plymouth

Plymouth Patuxet in Plymouth

Rainy Day Activities in Plymouth

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Things to Do

Botanical Gardens

Arts & Entertainment

Other Museums Nearby

Find more Museums near Plimoth Patuxet Museums