September 16 marks Mayflower Day , remembering the day in 1620 when the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, beginning one of the best-known voyages in early American history.
The ship carried 102 passengers , along with roughly 30 crew members, on a journey across the Atlantic that would eventually lead to the founding of Plymouth Colony.
Many of the passengers were English Separatists seeking a place where they could practice their religion with greater freedom. Others were looking for new economic opportunities and a chance to build a different life in the New World.
The trip was far from easy.
The Mayflower spent about 66 days at sea , battling rough weather and strong winds. The passengers had originally planned to reach the area of Virginia, but the storms pushed the ship north of its intended destination.
In November 1620, the Mayflower reached what is now Cape Cod, Massachusetts . After exploring the area and determining that it was not suitable for their original plans, the passengers eventually made their way to Plymouth.
Before going ashore, the men aboard the ship agreed to a document that became known as the Mayflower Compact . It established an agreement for governing th...