Mayflower Heritage
Journey back to 1620 and discover the remarkable story of the Mayflower, the Pilgrims, and the founding of Plymouth Colony.
The Mayflower Voyage
Learn about the historic 66-day journey across the Atlantic Ocean in 1620.
The Mayflower Compact
Discover the foundational document that established self-governance in America.
Pilgrim History
Explore the stories and legacy of the 102 passengers who braved the journey.
Plymouth Colony
Understand how the first permanent English settlement in New England was established.
The Mayflower Compact
Signed November 11, 1620 (Old Style)
"In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc."
Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith and Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the First Colony in the Northern Parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, Covenant and Combine ourselves together into a Civil Body Politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid;
and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.
In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France and Ireland the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini 1620.
Signed by 41 male passengers, this document established the first framework for self-governance in what would become the United States of America.
The Mayflower Journey
Key moments from the historic 1620 voyage
Mayflower Departs
The Mayflower sets sail from Plymouth, England with 102 passengers seeking religious freedom
Mayflower Compact Signed
41 male passengers sign the Mayflower Compact, establishing self-governance in the New World
Arrival at Cape Cod
The Mayflower anchors at Provincetown Harbor, Massachusetts
Plymouth Landing
Pilgrims establish Plymouth Colony, the first permanent English settlement in New England
"All great and honorable actions are accompanied with great difficulties, and both must be enterprised and overcome with answerable courage."
William Bradford
Governor of Plymouth Colony
Did You Know?
The Voyage
The Mayflower was approximately 100 feet long and carried 102 passengers plus crew on a 66-day journey across the Atlantic.
Discover Your Mayflower Lineage
Are you a descendant of a Mayflower passenger? Join our society and connect with your Pilgrim heritage.
Learn How to Join