Plymouth ma
The Pilgrims progress began hereat Plymouth, marked by Plymouth Rock, where the English separatists, now better known as the Pilgrims, landed. It is here that the Pilgrims established Plymouth Colony, named after Plymouth, England, in 1620. The ship that carried them to this distant land was called The Mayflower. This coastal town in southeastern Massachusetts is the seat of Plymouth County, about 60 km from Boston. Modern America was born here, in this hometown, that is now a heritage spot and tourists delight.
The Pilgrims
The Pilgrims were essentially English Puritans who separated from The Church of England on the basis of religious differences. They were mainly a group of farmers, not well heeled or highly educated people. After initial attempts to settle in Holland, some of the people grouped at Plymouth, England and set sail for America in the Mayflower. On 21st December, they embarked at Plymouth harbor, to the west of Cape Cod Bay, and the main group landed after another five days. The Pilgrims embarked with a specially drawn up authority in handthe Mayflower Compact that enabled them to establish a political body for civil matters, somewhat like a temporary government. The first governor of Plymouth Colony was John Carver, and Stephen Hopkins was the Assistant Governor. Though there was initial loss of life in the new colony, stalwarts among the group such as Edward Winslow, John Carver, Myles Standish, William Bradford, and William Brewster provided an able leadership and ensured the colonys survival.
With the colonys gradual growth, a more settled way of life developed, and settlers took to fishing, farming, and lumbering. However, there were disagreements between the English monarchy and the settlers/colonists, and in 1684, their charter was repealed, and the colony, along with Massachusetts Bay
colony, was incorporated in the Dominion of New England. After the Dominions overthrow, Plymouth Colony was linked to the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
This initial history of the United States of America has made Plymouth a much-wanted site on the tourist itinerary, and the town has ensured that the tourist does not return disappointed.
History Revisited
History has left behind fishing and cranberry packing in contributing to Plymouths economy. Places such as Plymouth Rock, Plimoth Plantation, Alden House Museum, the 1749 Court House and Museum, among others have been nurtured to keep the sense of history alive. For many New England people, Plymouth is only a days trip with sun, sand, and history in good measure.
Plymouth Rock: Though this is supposed to be the pilgrims landing place, there is no record of the same. However, posterity has come to revere it as the original place of embarkation. The rock is much smaller than its original size and covered by a wood canopy. However, it emanates a historical aura, and that is what people come here for.
Plimoth Plantation: This place recreates the original lifestyle of the settlers by the sea. Museum staff enact and recreate the story of the settlers in the 17th century.
Pilgrim Hall Museum: This is the countrys oldest public museum. It contains the worlds largest collection of original Pilgrims possessions along with some splendid Native American artifacts.
Alden House Museum: John and Priscilla Aldens house, built in 1653, has been converted into the museum. This is the only structure used by the Pilgrims that still stands testimony to an evolving time and ethos.
Burial Hill: This site marks the Pilgrims first fort as well as William Bradfords burial site. Bradford coined the term Pilgrims used for the settlers. He also wrote an exhaustive and interesting account of the Mayflowers voyage. The settlers used this site to place their cannons facing the harbor to ensure their own protection.
1749 Court House and Museum: This building has a special place in Americas architectural and civil historyit is the countrys oldest wooden courthouse as well as its longest serving municipal building. It was thrown open as a museum to the public in 1970.
1677 Harlow Old Fort House Museum: This is worth a trip for the half hour guided tour by costumed interpreters.
Jenney Grist Mill: This site belongs to the countrys first gristmill started in 1636. The visitor can relive history and get a clear idea of a gristmill, its grinding stones, and the significance of this mill to the first settlers in an unknown land. Visitors can opt for the interesting and enlightening guided tour.
Mayflower II: This is a replica of the original ship that carried the passengers to Plymouth. Visitors enjoy the enactors portrayal of the actual passengers and crew and can get a first hand experience of life on the ship for the Pilgrims.
The National Monument to the Forefathers: This is Americas biggest solid granite monument to the nations forefathers.
Other Articles
