The Pilgrims

The Pilgrims were a group of English people who sailed to America in 1620. They wanted to worship God in their own way. Their journey across the ocean was long and rough. They started a town called Plymouth in Massachusetts. The Pilgrims are famous for the first Thanksgiving.

Looking for Freedom

In England, the Pilgrims were not allowed to pray the way they wanted. They moved to Holland for a while but wanted a new start. They decided to sail all the way to America. About 100 Pilgrims boarded a ship called the Mayflower. They hoped to build a new life across the sea.

The First Thanksgiving

The Pilgrims' first winter in America was very cold and hard. Many people got sick and died. A Native American named Squanto taught them how to grow corn. The next fall, they had a big harvest. They shared a feast with the Wampanoag people, which we remember as the first Thanksgiving.

Fun Facts

• The Pilgrims signed an important paper called the Mayflower Compact.
• Only about half the Pilgrims lived through the first winter.
• The Pilgrims did not use the word 'Pilgrim' for themselves at the time.

Did You Know?

The first Thanksgiving feast probably lasted for three whole days and had wild turkey, deer, and corn.