The Mayflower Compact, originally titled Agreement Between the Settlers of New Plymouth, was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony. It was written by the male passengers of the Mayflower, consisting of separatist Puritans, adventurers, and tradesmen. The Puritans were fleeing from religious persecution by King James I of England.
The Mayflower Compact was signed aboard ship on November 21 [O.S. November 11], 1620. Signing the covenant were 41 of the ship's 101 passengers while the Mayflower was anchored in Provincetown Harbor within the hook at the northern tip of Cape Cod.
1620Nov, 11
The Mayflower Compact is signed in what is now Provincetown Harbor near Cape Cod.
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Events on 1620
- 17Sep
Battle of Cecora (1620)
The Ottoman Empire defeats the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during the Battle of Cecora. - 9Nov
Mayflower
Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower sight land at Cape Cod, Massachusetts. - 21Nov
Mayflower Compact
Plymouth Colony settlers sign the Mayflower Compact (November 11, O.S.) - 21Dec
William Bradford (Plymouth Colony governor)
Plymouth Colony: William Bradford and the Mayflower Pilgrims land on what is now known as Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, Massachusetts.