The New Student's Reference Work/Pilgrim Fathers

Pilgrim Fathers, the founders of the first English colony settling in Massachusetts. This colony belonged to a sect of separatists originating in Yorkshire, England, who, previous to sailing for the New World, had spent some time as exiles for religion's sake in Holland. The company, numbering 100 men, women and children, set sail from Plymouth, England, Sept. 6, 1620, bound for Hudson River. But after a long and stormy voyage they were driven on the bleak and desolate shores of Cape Cod. They landed on Dec. 21, 1620, at a place to which they gave the name of Plymouth.(q. v.) A monument to their memory has been erected there. Before landing they drew up and signed a compact of government, which is regarded as the first written constitution we have an historical account of.