Mayflower

Copyrighted and Published by A S Burbank, The Mayflower at Sea (NBY 21340)

Union flag 1606 (Kings Colors)

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Isaac Claesz. Van Swanenburg Washing the Skins and Grading the Wool

Embarkation of the Pilgrims

Mayflower replica

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The Mayflower at sea

Mayflower was an English ship that famously transported the first English Puritans, known today as the Pilgrims, from Plymouth, England, to the New World in 1620. The vessel left England on September 6 and after a grueling 66-day journey marked by disease and discomfort, the ship dropped anchor near the tip of Cape Cod, far north of its intended destination at the Hudson River. The Mayflower Compact was signed by 41 male passengers in the ship's cabin upon arrival, which established a rudimentary form of democracy, with each member contributing to the welfare of the community.

Construction and Specifications

The Mayflower was a typical English merchant ship of the early 17th century, square-rigged and beak-bowed, with high, castle-like structures fore and aft that protected the crew and the main deck from the elements. Details about the ship's dimensions, construction, and ownership are sparse, but it is estimated that the ship measured about 100 feet in length and 25 feet in width, with a displacement of 180 tons. The vessel was armed for protection against pirates and privateers and carried a variety of trade goods in addition to its human cargo.

Voyage to the New World

The Mayflower initially set sail in company with another ship, the Speedwell, which was found to be leaky and was forced to return to England, leaving the Mayflower to proceed alone. The journey across the Atlantic Ocean was treacherous, with rough seas and storms. The passengers and crew suffered from scurvy and other diseases, which led to the death of several people on board.

Upon landing in the New World, the Pilgrims found themselves in what is now Massachusetts, rather than their intended destination near the Hudson River. Before disembarking, they signed the Mayflower Compact, agreeing to form a government and abide by its rules. This document is considered a foundational act of governance in the United States.

Legacy

The Mayflower's journey and the establishment of the Plymouth Colony are iconic events in American history, symbolizing religious freedom and the quest for a new beginning. The descendants of the Mayflower passengers, known as the Mayflower Descendants, take great pride in their ancestry. The story of the Mayflower and its passengers is celebrated in the United States on Thanksgiving Day, commemorating the Pilgrims' first harvest feast in the New World in 1621.

Preservation and Memorialization

The legacy of the Mayflower and its passengers is preserved and memorialized in various ways. Replicas of the Mayflower, such as the Mayflower II, offer insights into the conditions aboard the original vessel. Museums, monuments, and educational programs also contribute to the public's understanding of the Mayflower's significance in American history.