Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II ship are major
attractions in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Authentic yet
entertaining the two are links to our past and the 102
passengers that survived the journey across stormy seas.
Many times the bad storms of the North Atlantic forced the crew
to take down the sails and just let the winds blow the ship
wherever it wanted. During one brutal storm one of the Mayflower
main beams cracked and the sailors where convinced they’d have
to turn back.
But the journey continued and because of it the world was
forever changed.
No, this is not really a history lesson, but the first of two
articles about two unique experiences of US history you can have
during your New England vacations.
This first article covers the area of Plymouth Plantation, and
the second in the series covers Sturbridge Village.
The Mayflower voyage of 1620 took 66 days after leaving
Plymouth, England on September 6, and anchoring in present day
Provincetown harbor in Cape Cod on November 11, 1620.
Miraculously only one passenger died on the voyage.
The Pilgrims decided Cape Cod was not a suitable place for a
settlement, and forced north because of the weather and
dangerous shoals south of Cape Cod, the pilgrims finally came
ashore in late November in present day Plymouth center.
That first winter at Plimoth Plantation decimated the settlers
due to cold and disease. Of the 102 that came ashore only 52
were left in the spring.
The native Wampanoag men showed the survivors how to plant corn
and in October 1621 the Pilgrims celebrated their first harvest
at Plymouth Plantation. Later generations would recognize the
significance of the harvest by setting aside a special day that
we now call Thanksgiving. And this day, more than any other in
our calendar, binds every American to that fateful voyage in
1620.
And you can relive and feel this spirit and the early days of
settlement at Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower II replica. Both
located in the coastal town of Plymouth, a city about 40 miles
south of Boston and an easy ride on Route 3 south.
Plymouth Plantation is a 1627 Pilgrim authentic village a few
miles outside of the city but close to the highway and well
sign-posted.
An orientation movie and collection of artifacts greet you at
the Henry Hornblower Visitor Center. Plimoth plantation itself
is a loop tour with two primary sites, the 1627 Pilgrim Village
and the Hobbamock’s (Wampanoag) Homesite. The stroll from the
museum down to the main village passes by a craft center and
crop fields.
The village itself is full of buildings and gardens. Everything
is plain and productive, and authentic.
The people of the village dress, talk, and act as best we know
they would’ve on the original Plymouth Plantation. But that
doesn’t mean they are aloof or communicate in riddles or a
strange tongue. Their aim is to educate and entertain but still
remain true to the era. I’ve always found they are engaging and
excellent in this balance.
The stroll out of the village along the Eel River walk takes you
to the Native people homesite.
As I said earlier, the Pilgrims would not have survived the
first year had it not been for help from the Native Peoples.
They taught them about the region and it’s agriculture and the
resources of the land, and how to thrive.
This special area is a home for an extended family not another
village. It honors the importance and affinity the Native People
have in this region.
Take time to appreciate the skills of weaving and tanning
practiced at the site, and the use of fire for burning out
boats. Go inside one of the houses and notice the materials and
bindings used for construction.
The inhabitants here do not role-play so feel free to discuss
modern day subjects with them.
And now… linger for a while longer at Plymouth Plantation, and
rest back at the visitor center, or purchase that craft you saw
at the store earlier. And then when you’re ready to continue,
leave Plimoth Plantation and head for town and the Mayflower II
replica.
Mayflower II is docked on State Pier on Water Street. Meter
parking is available along the waterfront. .
You’ll think it a small ship.
Imagine the vast expanse of the North Atlantic at times wild and
unforgiving. A 2,760-mile trip in a ship that leaked and creaked
at an agonizing speed of 2 mph!
During your Mayflower tour you’ll meet passengers on the ship
role-playing for you. You’ll get to see the passenger’s cramped
quarters and the captain’s spacious cabin. But most of all
you’ll be cast back in time.
And if you close your eyes and listen to the gulls overhead
maybe you’ll hear the shouts of a sailor as he sights landfall
and one journey’s end… and the start of another.
Enjoy your day at Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II. They
are entertaining reminders of our history and a link back to a
monumental voyage.
For more information and opening times and ticket prices for
Plymouth Plantation and the Mayflower visit their web site at
www.plimoth.org .
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