Plymouth Colony

early America · Massachusetts · Pilgrims · history

The Mayflower voyage. In 1620, over 100 English passengers sailed on a ship called the Mayflower to settle in New England. This dangerous journey took about two months across the Atlantic Ocean.

First permanent settlement. Plymouth Colony was the first permanent English colony in New England, though two other English colonies had been started earlier in America. It grew into the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, which still exists today.

Named by John Smith. The location where Plymouth Colony was built had already been explored and named by a famous sea captain named John Smith. The colonists chose this spot because it had good freshwater and farmland.

Thanksgiving tradition. Plymouth Colony is famous for starting the American tradition of Thanksgiving, which came from a harvest celebration between the colonists and Native Americans. This event became a major part of American culture and is still celebrated every November.

Plymouth Rock monument. Plymouth Rock is a famous stone on the shore at Plymouth, Massachusetts, and it became an important symbol of the colony's founding. People visit it today as a reminder of where these early English settlers first arrived.