14 Fun Facts About The Pilgrims

When we think of the Pilgrims, we often associate them with Thanksgiving, sailing on the Mayflower, and the first harvest celebration with the Native Americans. However, their story is much more fascinating than what we learn in school. In this article, we will explore 14 lesser-known fun facts about the Pilgrims that will take you on a journey back to the 17th century.

1. The Pilgrims Wanted Religious Freedom

The Pilgrims were a group of English Separatists who sought freedom of religion. They wanted to separate from the Church of England and establish their own churches with their own rules and practices.

14 Fun Facts About the Pilgrims: A 15-Minute Book (15-Minute Books)

by Ray Bella (Kindle Edition)

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2. They Initially Fled to the Netherlands

Before sailing to America, the Pilgrims resided in the Netherlands for about 12 years. They sought refuge there due to the religious persecution they faced in England. However, they still struggled to maintain their English identity and cultural traditions.

3. The Mayflower Journey Was Treacherous

The journey on the Mayflower was arduous and filled with challenges. The ship encountered storms, leaks, and cramped quarters during the 66-day voyage across the treacherous Atlantic Ocean. Many Pilgrims fell ill and died during the journey.

4. Plymouth Rock Was Not Their Original Destination

The Pilgrims initially intended to settle near the mouth of the Hudson River, in present-day New York. However, due to storms and navigational challenges, they ended up landing at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts.

5. They Created the Mayflower Compact

Before disembarking from the ship, the Pilgrims created the Mayflower Compact, a document that established a temporary government and outlined the laws and regulations for their new colony. It was an early form of self-governance.

6. The First Winter Was Harsh

The Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth in the middle of winter, and they were ill-prepared for the harsh conditions. Approximately half of them died within the first few months due to malnutrition, diseases, and exposure.

7. Squanto and the Wampanoag Tribe Helped the Pilgrims

The Pilgrims received invaluable assistance from Squanto, a Patuxet Native American who spoke English and helped them establish friendly relations with the Wampanoag tribe. Without their help, the Pilgrims would have struggled even more.

8. The First Thanksgiving Wasn't Like Today's Celebrations

The first harvest celebration in 1621, commonly known as the first Thanksgiving, was a three-day feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe. It included various foods like venison, corn, and fish but lacked items we typically associate with Thanksgiving, such as pumpkin pie or mashed potatoes.

9. They Wore Colorful Clothing

Contrary to popular belief, the Pilgrims did not exclusively wear black and white clothing. They actually wore vibrant colors, including red, green, and blue, although they did prefer more somber tones for religious occasions.

10. Women Played Crucial Roles

Women in Pilgrim society had important responsibilities and held considerable influence. They managed households, provided medical care, and had a say in decision-making within their families.

11. They Played Games

The Pilgrims enjoyed various games and recreational activities, including tag, horseshoes, and Nine Men's Morris. Playing games provided a way for them to bond, relax, and temporarily escape their challenging circumstances.

12. The Mayflower Returned to England

After arriving in Plymouth, the Mayflower was no longer needed, so it returned to England in April 1621. Some Pilgrims remained in America, while others decided to go back to England, disillusioned by the harsh conditions.

13. The First Child Born in Plymouth Was Named Peregrine

Peregrine White, born on the Mayflower while it was anchored at Cape Cod, was the first child born to the Pilgrims in America. His name, Peregrine, means "traveler" or "pilgrim."

14. The Pilgrims' Legacy Lives On

The Pilgrims' story is a fundamental part of American history. Their determination, pursuit of religious freedom, and establishment of self-governance have had a lasting impact on the ideals and principles upon which the United States was founded.

So, the next time you gather with loved ones around the Thanksgiving table, remember these 14 fun facts about the Pilgrims. They remind us of the hardships they faced, the alliances they formed, and the legacy they left behind. Let's give thanks for their courage and resilience.

Sources:

• Smithsonian Magazine - Thanksgiving Myth
• Mayflower History - Mayflower History
• National Geographic -

14 Fun Facts About the Pilgrims: A 15-Minute Book (15-Minute Books)

by Ray Bella (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1473 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

Do you know the story of the Pilgrims? You may think the pilgrims came to America for religious freedom. While they were seeking religious freedom, that was only half the story. Here are some fun facts you may not know about the Pilgrim story.
Do you know:
Did the Pilgrims practice religious freedom?
How did they pay for their passage to America?
What does the word Pilgrim mean?
Why did many of the skilled people who were supposed to go, stay behind?
What is written about the first Thanksgiving?
And more.

Find out the answers to these questions and more and amaze your family and friends with these fun facts.
Ages 8 and up.
All measurements in American and metric.
Reading Level: 5.6

LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.