1620: The Foundations of a New America

Though the Pilgrims, the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, and the First Thanksgiving are often discussed in the month of November, we would be remiss if we did not stop, take a moment, and celebrate and reflect on the beginnings of the Thanksgiving holiday. The unity of the Native Americans and the settlers of the Plymouth Colony laid the foundation for what would become an important American holiday, celebrated more than 400 years later.

In 1620, a small ship called the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England, carrying a group of 102 passengers seeking religious freedom and new opportunities in the New World. These passengers, later known as the Pilgrims, were largely English Separatists who wanted to escape persecution in England and practice their faith freely. The passengers included families, laborers, and tradespeople carefully chosen for their skills and ability to sustain a colony in an unknown land.

A replica of the Mayflower, Plymouth Harbor. Photo courtesy of Encyclopedia Britannica

Who Was Aboard the Mayflower?

Among the 102 passengers, several names stand out in history. William Bradford, who would later serve as governor of the Plymouth Colony, was a key leader. John Carver, the colony’s first governor, and Miles Standish, the military advisor, were also aboard. The passengers were not all famous by today’s standards, but their collective perseverance shaped the early American story. The group consisted of men, women, and children, each bringing a unique skill set essential for survival in the harsh New England environment.

The Journey Across the Atlantic

The Mayflower’s journey was arduous. The ship departed in September 1620, and passengers endured cramped quarters, rough seas, and outbreaks of illness during the 66-day voyage. Storms forced the ship off course, and what was initially intended as a landing near the Hudson River became the Cape Cod area of Massachusetts. Conditions were harsh, with limited food and fresh water, and the Pilgrims were forced to ration what little they had.

Arrival and Settlement in Massachusetts

The Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock in November 1620. Before disembarking, they drafted the Mayflower Compact, an agreement establishing a basic form of self-government and rule of law among the settlers—a significant step in the development of democratic principles in America. The first winter was brutal, and nearly half of the settlers died from cold, disease, and malnutrition.

Assistance from Native Peoples

The Pilgrims’ survival was significantly aided by local Native Americans. Squanto (Tisquantum), a member of the Patuxet tribe who had been captured and taken to Europe before returning to his homeland, taught the settlers vital survival skills. He showed them how to plant corn, fish in the rivers, and avoid poisonous plants. The Wampanoag people, led by Chief Massasoit, formed a critical alliance with the Pilgrims, offering protection and trade guidance. This cooperation laid the groundwork for the first Thanksgiving, celebrated in 1621 as a harvest feast with both Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing food and giving thanks for survival and community.

The First Thanksgiving, picture courtesy Smithsonian Magazine

Life in the Following Seasons

The first few years were difficult. Winters were harsh, and food shortages were common. Yet, with the guidance of Squanto and other Native allies, the settlers adapted to the environment. Spring and summer brought more successful harvests, enabling the colony to stabilize. Over time, the Plymouth settlement grew, attracting more settlers and establishing a lasting European presence in New England.

The Mayflower’s Legacy

The arrival of the Mayflower had profound historical implications. It symbolized the pursuit of religious freedom, the beginning of self-governance in the colonies, and the foundation for what would become the United States. The cooperation between Pilgrims and Native Americans, though short-lived in harmony, demonstrated the necessity of intercultural alliances for survival. The Pilgrims’ story, memorialized in the tradition of Thanksgiving, remains a cornerstone of American identity and collective memory.

Find resources on about Plymouth Colony and the first Thanksgiving and more at Henry Buhl Library.

References

Bradford, W. (1952). Of Plymouth Plantation (J. A. Goodwin, Ed.). New York, NY: Modern Library.

Mann, C. C. (2005). 1491: New revelations of the Americas before Columbus. New York, NY: Vintage Books.

Philbrick, N. (2006). Mayflower: A story of courage, community, and war. New York, NY: Viking.