They Chose Plymouth

Exhausted from two months at sea and weeks of waiting along the coast in the cramped and stinking ship, the Pilgrims were desperate to get on land, but first they had to choose a home. Adding urgency to their decision was the pressure from the Mayflower’s crew. The sea-beaten sailors were already agitated at the long delays and weeks of futile searching along the coast for an ideal location that may not exist. After all, their ship was blown hundreds of miles north of their destination. 

Recent history made the Pilgrims extra cautious in their choice. To the south was Jamestown, the struggling colony that seemed always on the verge of collapse. And the chilling tale of Roanoke, the village that disappeared without a trace, haunted their memories.

After weeks of wintry exploration, one location looked most promising. Named by English explorer John Smith, Plymouth offered fresh water springs, abundant fish and fowl, and endless trees for lumber. With a hilltop location that gave them security and a natural protective harbor, the Pilgrims chose Plymouth for their fledgling colony on December 20, 1620. 

Additionally, with all the other benefits, the land was already cleared off and prepared for fresh crops and new homes. It seemed as if Plymouth was a gift from God. Later they learned the real reason why the land was ready for habitation. A few years earlier the thriving village of Patuxet stood there, but the population was decimated by the diseases brought over from Europe.  

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“Joshua and Caleb “spake unto all the assembly of the children of Israel, saying, The land which we walked through to search it, is a very good land. If the Lord love us, he will bring us into this land, and give it us, which is a land that floweth with milk and honey.” 

(Numbers 14:6-8; 1599 Geneva Bible)

“According to the grace of God given to me, as a skillful master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon: but let every man take heed how he buildeth upon it.” 

(1 Corinthians 3:10; 1599 Geneva Bible)