In 1620, a ship named the Mayflower crossed the ocean from England. On board were about 100 people. Some of them we call the Pilgrims.
Key idea
The Pilgrims came mainly to worship God in their own way. They founded Plymouth Colony, and before landing they agreed to make fair laws together.
Why it works
In England, everyone was supposed to go to the king's church. The Pilgrims wanted their own church, so they left. Before they went ashore, the men on the ship signed the Mayflower Compact. It was a promise to make fair laws for the good of the colony and to obey them. It was an early step toward people governing themselves. Their first winter was very hard, and about half of them died.
Common mistake
Some children think the Pilgrims came to find gold. That was the hope of many Jamestown settlers. The Pilgrims came mainly for their religion, and they came as families, with children.
For the grown-up: The Mayflower left England in September 1620 with 102 passengers. The Compact was signed on November 11, 1620, by 41 men, while the ship lay off Cape Cod.