Schoolchildren all over the United States know the story. In September 1620, a small ship called the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England, with 102 passengers on board. These people were a mixed bunch of religious separatists who sought to freely practice their Protestant faith in what they called the New World. The New World also brought the promise of prosperity. 

For 66 uncomfortable days, the voyagers crossed the Atlantic Ocean before dropping anchor at Plymouth Rock, near Massachusetts Bay. The Pilgrims of the fledgling colony associated themselves with friendly Native Americans of the Wampanoag tribe, in particular their chief Massasoit. One year later, when the Pilgrims wished to celebrate their first successful harvest, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited the Wampanoag Indians to celebrate with them – creating the “first Thanksgiving.”