Pilgrims of Plymouth
Pilgrims landing in Plymouth
The Pilgrims were a group of people from Southwestern England who sought religious freedom after breaking away from the Church of England. These people originally took shelter in the Netherlands. However, the economy and fear of losing their English heritage made these people seek a new refugee, the New World to the west. They intended on reaching a area near the Hudson River, which they thought to be already colonized by the Virginia Colony. In 1620, these people got aboard a ship named the Mayflower and went on a journey to the new world.
After 65 days of rough sailing, the Pilgrims finally saw land. After a search group was sent to scout the land, the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Harbor in mid December. During the first winter many people died of malnutrition and poor housing. Fortunately, the Pilgrims encountered a English speaking Indian, named Squanto. Squanto was previously a slave to John Smith and somehow managed to escape back to his tribe only to find that they all died to a plague. Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to hunt, fish, and grow crops such as corn. In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims shared their harvest with the Pokanokets Indians. This day is presently known as Thanksgiving Day.
After 65 days of rough sailing, the Pilgrims finally saw land. After a search group was sent to scout the land, the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Harbor in mid December. During the first winter many people died of malnutrition and poor housing. Fortunately, the Pilgrims encountered a English speaking Indian, named Squanto. Squanto was previously a slave to John Smith and somehow managed to escape back to his tribe only to find that they all died to a plague. Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to hunt, fish, and grow crops such as corn. In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims shared their harvest with the Pokanokets Indians. This day is presently known as Thanksgiving Day.
The Importance of the Pilgrims
The first Thanksgiving
The Pilgrims were the first group of people to flee England in search of new freedom or religious liberty. This essential theme of liberty is the basis for America government and society. The Pilgrims were also the first group of people to befriend the Indians. In addition, without the Pilgrims learning agricultural skills from the Indians, many of the later colonists would not have survive during the harsh winters. The departure of the Pilgrims for America because of religious freedom sparked widespread immigration to the New World. In whole the Pilgrims were a group of people escaping from tyranny and looking for a Republic, and that in itself embodies the whole of America perfectly.