The Pilgrims are the group of people that sailed from Europe to America in 1620, establishing Plymouth Colony. Some of the Pilgrims were Separatists, or Christians who wanted to separate from the Church of England. Others were Puritans, who wanted to see reform take place within the church. The Church of England did not welcome this kind of opposition, and treated both groups very badly. The majority of Pilgrims fled Europe in search for religious liberty. Others, still, came to the New World not for religious reasons but instead to start new lives.

The Pilgrims famously sailed to North America on the Mayflower.

Upon arrival at Plymouth, they voted John Carver as their first governor.

The Pilgrims first built a common house to be shared by all, but later changed to a system of private property.

William Bradford wrote a journal called Of Plymouth Plantation—this is where we learn much of what we know about the Pilgrims.

Many Wampanoag Indians, led by Samoset, Squanto and Massasoit, are to credit for the Pilgrims’ original success, as they taught them how to keep their crops.