We all know them as the Pilgrims, the early settlers of the New World who valiantly braved rough seas, new lands, and bitter winters to flee the religious persecution of their home land.
Their stories began in England, united on the Mayflower, and grew together in Massachusetts, where they would land after weeks-long searching for an appropriate spot. Their chosen location: a hill in Plymouth, where construction on shelter to combat the bitter winter began immediately. Over the next several months, many Pilgrims died from disease, cold, and starvation, leaving on 47 survivors.
The remaining settlers formed a small community, called Plymouth Colony, in which they survived, governed, and lived. Much of their success is owed to Squanto, a Native American who befriended the Pilgrims and taught them how to survive in the land, with emphasis on growing corn and catching food, such as eel. Squanto also served as interpreter between the Native Americans and the Pilgrims, a skill he possessed after having converted to Christianity and serving as a slave in Europe.
In 1621, after their first harvest, the settlers held a celebration to thank God for providing them with bountiful food. The Governor of Plymouth invited fellow leader, Grand Sachem Massasoit of the Wampanoag tribe, and his people to join them in their feast. The festivities lasted for three days, and have since been known as Thanksgiving.
