Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together… – William Bradford
They were known by many names: Separatists, Brownists, Pilgrims.
For 400 years we have honored their sacrifice, praised their determination and hard work, and marveled at their miraculous story.
Who were they and why did they choose to face death by coming to the new world?
The Pilgrim’s beliefs on government and religion influenced the Puritans, all of New England and the new nation.
Their stories were studied by school children for over 300 years. Their principles set the standard of success for a colony, a nation and hemisphere. Eventually all Western civilization embraced concepts pioneered by the Pilgrims.
In December of 1620 a single ship dropped anchor in Plymouth harbor and a small group rowed to shore and stepped out of their skiff onto a large rock. The Pilgrim’s determination, rooted in their faith, saw them through countless trials and struggles. Their success in Plymouth inspired a mass migration that eventually resulted in the colonization of America. Plymouth’s history is memorialized in its many monuments.
Forefathers Day, the day the Pilgrims stepped on Plymouth Rock,…
Mayflower Compact Day is hardly heard of these days. It…
The historic voyage of the Mayflower began on Wednesday, September…
The persecution, hardships, suffering and discouragement that accompanied the Pilgrims…
Members of the Leiden Congregation knelt in prayer on the…
Upon their departure from Leiden in the Speedwell, Bradford relates…
