History Brief: Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims (Part Two)

Summary

In 1620, the Pilgrims embarked on their journey to America aboard two ships, the Speedwell and the Mayflower. The Speedwell proved unfit for the voyage, forcing the passengers to continue on the Mayflower alone. Departing on September 16 with 102 passengers, they faced violent storms and harsh conditions during the 65-day journey, resulting in two deaths and one birth. Upon arrival, they realized they were far north of their intended destination and decided to settle there. Before going ashore, the leaders drafted the Mayflower Compact, establishing rules for cooperation and governance, with John Carver elected as the colony's first governor.

Takeaways

• ⛵ The Pilgrims set sail for America in August 1620 with two ships, the Speedwell and the Mayflower.
• ⚓ The Speedwell experienced leaks shortly after departure, forcing both ships to return to port.
• 🚢 Ultimately, only the Mayflower continued the voyage to New England.
• 👥 102 passengers embarked on the Mayflower, with the younger and stronger members going first.
• 🌊 The journey initially was smooth but soon faced violent storms causing significant damage to the ship.
• 🛠️ Despite the storms, the Pilgrims managed to repair the Mayflower and continue their journey.
• 📅 The voyage lasted approximately 65 days, with land sighted on November 9, 1620.
• ⚰️ Two people died during the journey, and one baby was born onboard.
• 🗺️ Upon arrival, the Pilgrims realized they were much further north than intended and could not reach the Hudson River.
• 📝 Before disembarking, the leaders signed the Mayflower Compact, establishing laws and cooperation for the colony.
• 👑 John Carver was chosen as the first governor of the colony, and small parties were sent ashore to explore.

Q & A

When did the Pilgrims set sail for America and on which ships?

The Pilgrims set sail in August of 1620 on two vessels: the Speedwell and the Mayflower.

Why did only a portion of the congregation make the first trip?

It was decided that the younger, stronger members would go first, while the others would join them later.

What happened to the Speedwell after departure?

The Speedwell was leaking shortly after departure, causing both ships to return to port. Eventually, the voyage continued with only the Mayflower.

When did the Mayflower finally set sail alone, and how many passengers were aboard?

The Mayflower set sail alone on September 16, 1620, with 102 passengers aboard.

What challenges did the Pilgrims face during their voyage?

They initially had an easy passage, but soon encountered violent storms that caused severe damage to the Mayflower. They considered turning back but repaired the damage and continued.

How long did the journey take, and what were the casualties or births during the voyage?

The journey took approximately 65 days. Two people died, and one baby was born during the voyage.

Where did the Pilgrims first sight land, and why was it not their intended destination?

They sighted land on November 9, 1620, but it was further north than the mouth of the Hudson River, which was their intended destination.

What prevented the Pilgrims from reaching their planned settlement location?

Rough waters and high winds thwarted their attempt to sail southward, so they decided to settle at the location where they first landed.

What significant document did the Pilgrims create before going ashore, and why is it important?

The Pilgrims wrote and signed the Mayflower Compact, which required all members to cooperate and obey colony laws. It is considered by many as the first written constitution in the world.

Who was chosen as the first governor of the colony, and what steps were taken toward establishing the settlement?

John Carver was chosen as the colony's first governor. Small parties were sent toward land to explore and prepare for settlement.

What was the intended use of the Speedwell if it had reached America successfully?

The Speedwell, being smaller, was intended to be kept for fishing once the Pilgrims arrived in New England.