In the 1620,the Mayflower arrived in Plymouth (Present day Massachusetts Bay area). They came from England to seek freedom of religion. Before setting foot on land they drew up the Mayflower Compact. The compact stated that 41 signers would agree on how to make the colony successful and would agree on laws for the colony. The colony later grew too large for them to consult each other, so they chose representatives.
During the first winter many weren't prepared. It was too late to plant crops, so they had to feed on whatever wild game and food they had left from the voyage. Many pilgrims had sod houses that were poorly built. Others sought shelter in caves that were cold and damp. Nearly half of the pilgrims had died of disease or starvation after the first winter, and the others carried on as best as they could.
During the spring, a Pemaquid Indian came to the colony. His name was Samoset. He knew English from sailor he had worked with before. He introduced the pilgrims to a local Wampanoug chief, named Massasoit. The pilgrims and the chief made a treaty of peace. An indian named Squanto was the one who helped the pilgrims the most. He knew english well. In the fall, they had a good harvest, so they set aside a day to give thanks to God. From then on, they celebrated Thanksgiving.
Click HERE to watch the story of Squanto
