The weather had other plans for them. Prevailing winds and weather systems made it almost impossible to go as far south as they intended, and on Nov. 19, 1620, the Pilgrims reached Cape Cod. After surveying the sandy dunes of the area, they decided that location was not suitable.
They contemplated sailing south, but winter was arriving, and shelter needed to be built immediately. The Pilgrims scouted the area and settled on Dec. 11 near the current location of Plymouth.
The Pilgrims were not the first to settle in New England, however. A few settlements in Maine were attempted as early as 1607, but harsh winters forced these pioneers to either head south to Virginia or return to England.
Only a few written accounts of the Pilgrims’ first winter in the New World exist, but they discuss what can only be described as mild conditions. History tells us they had a very difficult time that first winter, losing about half their members. No one knows how may they might have lost or whether the colony would have survived a harsh winter.
Spring came early as well, which allowed crops to be planted in late March. However, the weather, more specifically the climate, created difficulties. Enter Squanto, a native who knew some English and could communicate with the settlers. Squanto taught them how to adapt their crops to the New England climate, introduced them to native crops that were already successful, and showed them how and where to hunt and fish to supplement their food.
Thanks to Squanto, and some hard work, the Pilgrims would be far better prepared for their second New England winter. To celebrate their good fortunes, three days were set aside to give thanks, and this became the first Thanksgiving.