Mayflower Day
Thursday, September 17th, 2009When : September 16th
Mayflower Day celebrates the date the Mayflower sailed from Plymouth, England to America. On September 16, 1620, 102 men, women, and children set sail from Plymouth, England. Their destination was the New World, where they could have religious freedom, and continue using their native language, culture, and customs.
Every Mayflower Day, we commemorate these brave, early settlers. They were the very first immigrants, and helped to pave the way for millions more to follow, in search of freedom and the dreams and promises of a New World.
For more information, see Mayflower History
Have a very happy Mayflower Day.
Key Facts About the Mayflower:
* The Mayflower set sail from Plymouth England on September 16, 1620.
* The Pilgrims were headed to the settlement in Virginia. They had an agreement to settle there.
* The voyage took 66 days. They landed at Plymouth Rock on December 21, 1621.
* 102 passengers were on board. This included three pregnant women. One of these women gave birth just before landing.
* On November 21, 1620, the passengers signed the Mayflower Compact, which set forth the rules of governance of the fledgling colony.