First Thankgiving: The Mayflower Arrives at Cape Cod

The Mayflower was a "sweet ship," having been involved in the European wine trade for many years. There was little sweet, however, about the Pilgrims journey to the New World on the small, crowded vessel tossed by winter storms. After two months at sea, the Pilgrims anchored at what is now Provincetown Harbor on Cape Cod. The Pilgrims lived aboard the ship over the winter while expeditions were made to explore the area. The next spring Plymouth was chosen as the area where the Pilgrims would build their houses and celebrate their first Thanksgiving in the new world.

Pictured above is the Mayflower II under sail arriving in Provincetown Harbor.