Plymouth Harbor

Picture taken from: Sightseeing Travel Guide

It's thanksgiving day! So today, I thought I would share some history!

In the 1500's the king was trying to tell people how to worship. There were two groups of people who didn't believe in this. The Puritans, and the Separatists. The Puritans wanted to change the Church while the Separatists wanted to separate all together and leave the Church. I believe this is why they were called the Separatists.

In 1606, the Separatists decided to find freedom elsewhere because England was getting out of hand.

The Bible says, "Thou shalt not be unequally yolked with unbelievers." I believe this is one reason they decided to leave. Their destination: Amsterdam.

Their first attempt in 1607 was a failure. The officials found out and arrested and jailed many of the men.

They again tried to leave, but this time their destination was Holland. Again, they were stopped. Kinda. The men on board made it, but all the women and children were taken by the authorities. The good thing though, is that they all met again in Amsterdam.

Happy ending, right? Uh, no. First of all, the king found out where they were and wanted to arrest them. Second, Holland was becoming over populated.

So, in 1620, they left in the famously known ship, The Mayflower. For two months, the overfull ship sailed in the open water. Then they landed in Cape Cod, located in America.

Well, after an attack by Indians, they decided to sail around the new country a little more. Eventually, they landed in Plymouth Harbor. They decided to stay and agreed that each man would build their own houses. It was hard living at first, but they got through it.

Then they met the Native American Indians who because of their hospitality, provided food for the Separatists. During all of this, about half of all the new comers died. Their were two Indians who convinced the others that the Separatists meant no harm. So, the Indians made a peace treaty with them .

In 1621 the first thanksgiving was celebrated. Three whole days they filled themselves up with DELICIOUS food! It must have been GREAT! It makes you want to be there at that day when you hear about it! They ate duck, pudding, cornbread, corn, and plumbs and dried berries for dessert.

Sadly, after fifty peacefully years, the Indians and the Pilgrims had a war which the Pilgrims won, but that's another story.

I'm so glad the Pilgrims decided to leave. Otherwise, we might not have had America today. Plus, now we get to have sweet potato covered with brown sugar every thanksgiving!



Picture taken from: The Independent