Day before yesterday, I learned about the second English colony in America; how it was founded, the major people, Indian interaction, and then their eventual settling of neighboring areas. Plymouth was the second colony in America, about the same time as Jamestown.
The idea of a puritan colony was formed after the Puritans had to escape England, and so they went to a Swedish city called Leiden. It became uncomfortable there, as nobody knew the trades and had to be apprenticed. Then some random puritan came up with the excellent idea that they should go to America. The idea was taken up immediately, and the British London Company was asked to support this idea. The company agreed and so the Pilgrims gained transports: The Mayflower, and the Speedwell. The Speedwell gained a leak about a quarter of the way out to America, though, so the Speedwell was abandoned, and everything placed on the Mayflower. The journey took about 3 months, and in November of 1620. The ship had landed at Cape Cod, and their pants and socks immediately froze on the first night. The Mayflower Compact had been signed just before everyone left, so nobody caused any trouble, and the colony was set up. The first year was a failure, like Jamestown, because they did not know what crops would grow and which not. Almost half the settlers died of the cold, and lack of food. And then a man showed up. The man’s name was Samoset, and he helped the colonists to thrive by introducing them to the nearest Indian chief, Massasoit. The Wampanoags helped the Pilgrims along with the guidance of a captured Indian whose tribe was wiped out by sickness. This Indian’s name was Squanto. Squanto helped the Pilgrims thrive under harsh conditions and excellent soil.
The Indians’ help saved the lives of the pilgrims, and the Pilgrims knew it. So, they created a feast in honor of their survival of the first year, along with the second year, at the same time that the Indians were celebrating the annual harvest festival. Later, this feast came to be called Thanksgiving.
Plymouth followed the pattern of Jamestown, in that they had a hard first year, gained help, and then flourished. Over time, Plymouth settled the surrounding area, and still exists today. The impact Plymouth left on us is profound, and the settles of Plymouth will always be remembered in history for their actions.
Schoolroom Today 