Pilgrims Arrive In Massachusetts Key Point #1: The Pilgrims (Puritans and Separatists) are the first settlers of the New England Colonies. They left England to escape religious persecution. – In Pilgrims set sail on a journey across the Atlantic to Virginia on the Mayflower. – The trip was very unpleasant and took 65 days Food ran out Passengers got very sick and one died A storm blows their ship way off course and they land at a place in the Massachusetts Bay called Plymouth.

The Plymouth Colony

The Mayflower Compact Key Point #2: The Pilgrims made an agreement to create a government and follow its laws called the Mayflower Compact. This document was the beginning of self- government in America – Signed this before they got off the Mayflower – 41 men sign it; no women or children – The foundation of the U.S. Constitution

The First Year At Plymouth Key Point #3: The first year at Plymouth was very hard for the Pilgrims and many died. – Arrive right at the beginning of a harsh winter. – Start building houses immediately for shelter. – Run out of food and begin to starve. – A plague kills 50 out of the 100 Pilgrims during the first winter.

Native Americans Save The Pilgrims Key Point #4: The Pilgrims would not have survived in Massachusetts without the help of the local Native Americans. – An English Speaking Indian named Squanto showed them how to grow crops, hunt, fish, and survive in Massachusetts in the spring.

The First Thanksgiving Is Celebrated Key Point #5: Because of Squanto’s help, things get better for the Pilgrims and the following fall they joined with the Indians in a three day festival to celebrate the harvest and give thanks to God for their good fortune. This was the first Thanksgiving.