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THIS DAY IN HISTORY
Colonists Depart on the Mayflower
On this day in 1620 Pilgrims fled tyranny and came to America
Can you imagine 102 Pilgrims and 30 crew on this small ship? This was my thought as I toured the Mayflower 2 in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
It was 1620 when this group of souls boarded the ship for the long voyage to the new world, America. They came with very little belongings and the staples they brought had to keep them fed for months during the voyage.
I can’t imagine having your family with other families in such tight quarters. Even the deck space is limited, so they must have taken turns getting fresh air. And the smell!
They made their own beer on the ship, as milk or juices wouldn’t keep without refrigeration. Each of the women learned how to make beer, as it was a required skill to be a wife.
It was a horrible, crowded voyage, but half of them made it to America. When they arrived, they found themselves completely unprepared for the new experiences and elements which would challenge their very existence.
They arrived much later in the season than expected, so planting crops wasn’t possible. Another half died during the first brutal winter. But with the help of the Native Americans, they…
