In comparison with the later Massachusetts Bay Colony, Plimoth has a reputation for simplicity and relative moderation.
“If any did unjustly war against him, we would aid him, if any did war against us, he should aid us.”
- 1621 treaty between the Plimoth colony and Sachem Massasoit
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Legendary
It seems that the Pilgrims had better
public relations than the Puritans. The
small scale of the colony lends itself to
a warm and nostalgic telling of history.
There is the passage on the Mayflower,
the harsh winter in the New World, the
benevolence of native people who helped
save the Pilgrims by teaching them to
plant local crops. Above all there is the
story of the “First Thanksgiving.” While
not completely accurate, provincial
Plimoth somewhat resembled the legend
at first.
- Library of Congress
Saints and Strangers
In order to finance the colony London investors
insisted that settlers motivated by economic need
be included. Thus the colony was divided between
“saints” and “strangers.” Some “strangers” like
John Alden would play a significant role. The
practical need to retain unity in a small settlement
may have had a moderating influence over
harsher religious proscriptions.
Mayflower passengers
establish a “Civil Body Politic”. . .
Mayflower passengers establish a “Civil Body Politic” and pledge to abide by “Just and Equal Laws” – America’s first agreement for self –government. The Mayflower Compact was not saved as a document. Governor Bradford recorded its text in his journal, now at the Massachusetts State House.
- Library of Congress
Embarkation of the Pilgrims . . .
Embarkation of the Pilgrims by Robert W. Weir. This scene emphasizes the presence of women and children. Pilgrims and Puritans came as family units in contrast to some frontier communities dominated by single men.
- Architect of the Capitol
- Greg Kullberg
Alliance with Massasoit
The small size and vulnerability of the
colony encouraged efforts at an alliance
with Massasoit and his Pokanoket nation (a
Wampanoag community). Their numbers had
been greatly reduced by disease, making them
vulnerable to attack by rival nations like the
Narragansett. Plymouth Colony court records
show a more cautious attitude at first toward
Native people accused of crimes. As more
English settlers arrived punishments became
more severe.
- Plimoth Patuxet Museums