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The Desolate Wilderness: The Pilgrims‘ 1620 Voyage to Plymouth
Table of Contents
Plymouth, Massachusetts, stands as a testament to courage and resilience. In 1620,a small group of English families,known today as the pilgrims,embarked on a perilous journey across the Atlantic,seeking religious freedom and a new life in what they described as a “desolate wilderness.” Their story, meticulously documented by Plymouth Colony Secretary Nathaniel Morton, remains a foundational narrative of American history.
Origins and Departure
Driven by a desire to separate from the Church of England, the Pilgrims initially settled in Leiden, Netherlands, seeking refuge from persecution. However, concerns about maintaining their cultural identity and economic hardship prompted them to seek a new home. they secured a land patent from the Virginia Company, granting them rights to settle in North America.
The Mayflower, a 100-foot-long ship, set sail from Plymouth, England, on September 6, 1620, carrying 102 passengers - 35 members of the Leiden congregation and 67 others, collectively known as “Strangers.” The voyage was arduous, lasting sixty-six days and marked by severe storms and cramped conditions. …a great storm did arise, which did drive us back towards the coast of England
recounts one passenger, as cited in MortonS account.
The Mayflower Compact
Before landing, recognizing the need for self-governance in their new environment, the Pilgrims drafted and signed the Mayflower Compact. This agreement, penned aboard the Mayflower, established a civil body politic and pledged cooperation for the general good of the colony. It is indeed considered a landmark document in the advancement of democratic principles in America.
Arrival and Early Hardships
On November 9, 1620, the Mayflower sighted land - Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The Pilgrims initially intended to settle further south, within the bounds of their Virginia Company patent, but unfavorable conditions forced them to seek a more sheltered harbor.They ultimately chose Plymouth, a site with a freshwater stream and a protected harbor.
The winter of 1620-1621 proved devastating.The Pilgrims arrived unprepared for the harsh New England climate. Exposure, malnutrition, and disease ravaged the colony. Nearly half of the original settlers perished during that first winter. …the sickness was so great amongst them
describes Morton, detailing the widespread suffering.
| event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Mayflower Departure | Sept 6, 1620 | Began transatlantic voyage |
| Mayflower Compact Signed | Nov 11, 1620 | Established self-governance |
| First Landing at Plymouth | Nov 21, 1620 | Established Plymouth Colony |
| First winter | Nov 1620 – Mar 1621 | High mortality rate |
| First Harvest Festival | Fall 1621 | Celebrated survival with Wampanoag |
Did You know?
The Mayflower was originally built as a cargo ship, not a passenger vessel, and had previously been used for trade between England and France.
Alliance with the wampanoag
The Pilgrims’ survival was greatly aided by their alliance with the Wampanoag people,led by Massasoit. Squanto, a Wampanoag man who had learned English, served as an interpreter and taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate native crops, such as corn, beans, and squash. This knowlege was crucial to the colony’s long-term success.
In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag celebrated a harvest
