A Walk Through Thanksgiving History in Plymouth, Massachusetts

Journey back to the Mayflower, the first Thanksgiving and a true piece of American history in Plymouth, Massachusetts!

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Plymouth, Massachusetts

Set on the Cape Cod Bay about 40 miles southeast of Boston, Plymouth is one of many historical towns on the east coast of the country. While the history behind the United States of America’s colonization is often ugly, we can also all appreciate the idea of the first Thanksgiving. (For the story of the first Thanksgiving from a Native American perspective, please visit the NativePartnership.org). Although it may be more legend than historical fact at this point, Plymouth Rock brings forth the idea and spirit of brave explorers and creating a community.

For another point of view on the first Thanksgiving, see AMightyGirl.com.

Plymouth Rock

One of the main attractions in Plymouth, is of course, the legendary Rock. When I was a child, I definitely pictured the rock as a huge boulder, serving as a landmark for the pilgrims. The real thing is a bit of a let down! Behind a monument of pillars, low in the ground, sits what is left of the Rock. It is free to visit and we found the area uncrowded on a Friday, mid-July.

In the photo above, you see the grand pillars of the Portico. From inside, you can look down and see, what my kids called, the Plymouth Pebble.

A short walk from the Rock are public restrooms as well as the replica of

The Mayflower

The ship floating in Plymouth Harbor is actually called The Mayflower II and is a full reproduction of the original ship. The ship is a part of the Plimoth Patuxet Museum complex and tickets are available for tours. For more information about the Mayflower II, as well as the original, visit the museum’s website here.

Plimoth Patuxet Museums

Along with the Mayflower II, the Plimoth Patuxet Museums also houses the Museum and the Grist Mill. Tickets to the Plimoth Patuxet Museum include the historic Patuxet homesite, the 17th century English village and the Craft Center. You can purchase combination or single attraction tickets online. The Museums are open April-November (check the website for exact opening/closing dates each year), from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, with last tickets being sold around 4:00 PM.

Thanksgiving at Plimoth Patuxet

As it is famous for the first Thanksgiving, Plymouth is a great place to come celebrate the holiday! The Museum complex hosts specialty Thanksgiving meals each year. Tickets are sold online and will sell out, buy them as soon as you can! Fall Harvest meals begin in October with “The Story of Thanksgiving” meals throughout November. More information on the differences between the offerings are available on the Tickets page.

Even more Thanksgiving events happen in the surrounding area, including the country’s only historically accurate parade. Plymouth’s Thanksgiving event page is linked here.

Other sites to visit in Plymouth

Across the way from Plymouth Rock and the harbor, is a green space filled with historical statues and Cole’s Hill Burial Ground. A 10 minute walk will take you to Pilgrim Hall Museum. Also in Plymouth are the Harlow Old Fort House Museum and the Mayflower Meeting House, among other historicial spots.

The city’s website boasts tours, transporation, restaurants, wineries and more. It’s a great place to spend a weekend near the bay. If you’d like to continue your drive up the coast, be sure to make a stop in Salem!

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