Mayflower Heritage
Journey back to 1620 and discover the remarkable story of the Mayflower, the Pilgrims, and the founding of Plymouth Colony.
Watch the Mayflower II sail
Watch this video on YouTube to learn more about Mayflower history.
The Mayflower Compact
Discover the foundational document that established self-governance in America.
Pilgrim History
Explore the stories and legacy of the 102 passengers who braved the journey.
The Mayflower Voyage
Learn about the historic 66-day journey across the Atlantic Ocean in 1620.
Plymouth Colony
Understand how the first permanent English settlement in New England was established.
The Mayflower Compact
Signed November 11, 1620 (Old Style)
"In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc."
Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith and Honour 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 into a Civil Body Politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid;
and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.
In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France and Ireland the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini 1620.
Signed by 41 male passengers, this document established the first framework for self-governance in what would become the United States of America.
Signers of the Mayflower Compact
Learn About the Mayflower Compact
The Passengers of the Mayflower
Signers of the Mayflower Compact, November 11, 1620
These 41 signers established the first framework for self-governance in what would become the United States. Click on any name to learn more about their story.
The Mayflower Journey
Key moments from the historic 1620 voyage
Speedwell and Mayflower Depart
The Speedwell and Mayflower depart from Southampton, England with Separatists and other passengers seeking religious freedom
Speedwell Leaks
The Speedwell develops leaks twice, forcing both ships to return to England. Passengers are consolidated onto the Mayflower
Mayflower Departs Alone
The Mayflower sets sail from Plymouth, England with 102 passengers and approximately 30 crew members
Atlantic Crossing Begins
The 66-day journey across the Atlantic begins. The ship encounters fierce storms and structural damage to the main beam
John Howland Overboard
Passenger John Howland falls overboard during a storm but is rescued, becoming an ancestor to many notable Americans including presidents
Land Sighted
After 66 days at sea, passengers spot land at Cape Cod. They had originally intended to settle near the Hudson River
Mayflower Compact Signed
41 male passengers sign the Mayflower Compact, establishing self-governance in the New World before landing
First Explorations
Exploration parties led by Myles Standish and William Bradford survey Cape Cod and identify Plymouth as a suitable settlement site
Plymouth Landing
The Pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock and begin building their settlement. Construction of the Common House begins immediately
The First Winter
A brutal winter claims the lives of approximately half the passengers and crew. Only 53 survive until spring
Samoset Visits
Samoset, an Abenaki chief, walks into the settlement speaking English and introduces the Pilgrims to Squanto and Massasoit
Peace Treaty Signed
Governor John Carver signs a peace treaty with Massasoit, leader of the Wampanoag Confederacy, ensuring mutual protection
Mayflower Departs for England
The Mayflower sets sail for England, leaving the surviving colonists to build their new life in Plymouth
First Thanksgiving
The Pilgrims and Wampanoag celebrate a three-day harvest feast, marking the First Thanksgiving
"All great and honorable actions are accompanied with great difficulties, and both must be enterprised and overcome with answerable courage."
William Bradford
Governor of Plymouth Colony
Did You Know?
The Voyage
The Mayflower was approximately 100 feet long and carried 102 passengers plus crew on a 66-day journey across the Atlantic.
Discover Your Mayflower Lineage
Are you a descendant of a Mayflower passenger? Join our society and connect with your Pilgrim heritage.
Learn How to Join