Finding a location
After a rough passage across the Atlantic Ocean the
Pilgrims had expected to settle somewhere
within the limits of the orignal grant of the Virginia
Company.
Navigational Errors, adverse winds and the shoals off
Cape Cod forced the Mayflower to anchor in
Provincetown inside the tip of Cape Cod on Nov.21, 1620
(Nov.11 according to the calendar in use then)
The tired, sea-weary Pilgrims were anxious to learn
more about the area. For almost one month
they explored the coast around Cape Cod Bay.
During a blinding snow storm the Pilgrims had to take
refuge on a island in Plymouth Harbor.
On Dec. 21, 1620 (Dec.11) they landed at Plymouth.
There they discovered a stream with fresh,
clear clean water, an area of cleared land and a high hill
that could be fortified.
This site was once an Indian village, but in 1617 the village
was wiped out by a smallpox plague.
Hard times faced
The first year in the new land was an especially hard time for
the Pilgrims. They were confronted with an inadequate supply of
food hard work and changeable weather.
This led the Pilgrims to fall prey to many illnesses.
Help Arrives
Help arrived one spring day. An Indian came to the village
and introduced himself to the amazed and startled Pilgrims.
This was Samoset. Two weeks later Samoset returned with
Squanto.
The two Indians introduced the Pilgrims to their sachem
(chief) Massasoit of the Wampanoag Tribe.
Squanto befriended the Pilgrims and taught them many useful
things enabling them to be able to survive in this new hostile
enviorment. He taught them to fish for alewives
(fish in the herring family)and how to use them as fertilizer
in planting corn (maze), pumpkins and beans. The harvest during
that summer was most bountiful.
The Govenor delared a 3 day feast for giving thanks.
The Homes
The houses of the Pilgrims were snug, sturdy built homes
made with thick planks sawed out of trees from forests
nearby.
Each house was built around a huge chimney.Inside was a fireplace
which which provided warmth and fire to cook with.
Colony Grows
Plymouth Colony grew, new people arrived from England
over the course of time and Plymouth Colony became the second
permanent English settlement in America.
They established the town meeting form of goverment and also
went on to establish the Congregational Church in America.
Their influence on us
The Pilgrims have become an important model for all Americans.
Deep faith in their Father above perserverance and hard work and
and the ability to live and work with people who where different
from them.
The Pilgrims achieved what they had set out to achieve, the right to
religious freedom, preservation of their Englishways
and a home in the New Land. Through many trials and tribulations
their faith, courage and commitment has set an example for all future
generations of Americans to
look up to and follow.
