The Mayflower's Return Voyage to England

April 5th, 1621

April 5th, 1621

The Mayflower's Return Voyage to England
How Long Ago?

403 years, 11 months, 10 days ago

Location

Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Category

Exploration & Discovery

People
  • William Bradford
  • Edward Winslow
  • William Brewster
Links & References
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The Mayflower's Return Voyage to England

The Mayflower departed Plymouth, Massachusetts, for England after a successful journey that carried the Pilgrims to the New World. The ship, having spent several months in the Plymouth Colony, was now returning with a small number of passengers, including some of the remaining Pilgrims who were eager to return home as well as a cargo of goods. The voyage marked a significant moment in the early history of the colonies, emphasizing the ongoing connections between England and the New World.

Marked the Mayflower's return to England.

Carried remaining Pilgrims eager to go home.

Exported goods from the Plymouth Colony.

Signified ongoing ties to England.

What Happened?

The Mayflower, a historic ship, set sail from Plymouth, Massachusetts on a return trip to England. This voyage was particularly notable as it came months after the ship had brought a group of Pilgrims to the New World, where they established the Plymouth Colony. The Pilgrims sought to create a community that aligned with their religious beliefs, free from the constraints of the Church of England. Their successful establishment in the harsh conditions of early America led them to decide to send a ship back laden with the goods they had gathered. On board, a small group of Pilgrims chose to return to England, while others stayed behind, determined to build their lives in this new land. The Mayflower's return was not just about the journey home; it symbolized the enduring relationship between the settlers and their homeland, alongside the legacy that this initial journey would leave on both sides of the Atlantic. The ship would carry valuable information about the colony back to English merchants and families, offering insight into the challenges and successes the Pilgrims faced.

Why Does it Matter?

The return journey of the Mayflower holds significant historical interest as it reflects the complexities of early colonial life and the dynamics of transatlantic relationships. It underscored the continuous two-way exchange of people and goods that characterized the early years of European colonization in North America.

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