The Pilgrims, a group of English Protestant dissenters, set out aboard the Mayflower in September 1620, aiming for the Virginia Colony. Due to rough seas and navigational challenges, they landed far north of their original destination, at a site that is now known as Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. William Bradford emerged as a prominent leader among the Pilgrims, who sought to create a society where they could practice their faith freely, away from the Church of England's constraints. Upon landing on December 21, they were greeted by the harsh reality of a New England winter, which would test their resolve and survival skills.

Upon arrival, the Pilgrims initially surveyed the area, noting its potential for settlement. They encountered Native American tribes, who were both curious and cautious about these newcomers. To ensure their governance, the Pilgrims drafted the Mayflower Compact, a foundational document that established a form of self-governance based on majority rule. This compact would resonate through history as a precursor to later democratic principles.

The first winter proved extremely difficult, with many of the Pilgrims succumbing to illness, starvation, and the cold. However, the survivors forged alliances with local Indigenous populations, which proved crucial for their long-term survival. The introductions to agricultural practices, such as corn cultivation and fishing techniques, helped sustain the colony, paving the way for a burgeoning community that would thrive in the years to come.