The Pilgrims’ journey in search of religious freedom was an epic that led to the founding of the United States. Their alliance and Thanksgiving with the Indian tribe Wampanoags set a useful example for the multi-ethnic society to come.
During their stay in Holland, the Pilgrims had heard the news of great lands around present-day New York City, which were visited by Henry Hudson in 1609. Sensing a dangerous war about to break out in Europe, they set sail to the Hudson River. “They knew they were pilgrims, and looked not much on those things, but lifted up their eyes to the heavens, their dearest country; and quieted their spirits,” wrote Governor William Bradford.
But these refugees from European wars got started so late into the Fall that the weather forced them to settle in the area of present-day Provincetown, Massachusetts, moving later to Plymouth. The ship Mayflower arrived at Cape Cod harbour on November 11, 1620, after a voyage of 66 days. Prior to making landfall, the pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact. After scouting for the best place to settle, they sailed to Plymouth Harbor on December 16, 1620, and the colonists began building their town.
Hearing about the Pilgrims’ plan to settle in Manhattan, Dutch traders hastily set up a settlement called New Amsterdam that became New York City.
So, you could say, the Pilgrims’ journey caused the founding of our city. What would A Journey through NYC religions look like if our city had started as a Pilgrim city?
A Journey through NYC religions provides free BILLBOARD space for any faith-based group.
