Plymouth Colony

Timeline

1. 1620Provincetown Harbor, Cape Cod · MassachusettsThe Mayflower landed 102 settlers off Cape Cod in November 1620; the adult male settlers signed the Mayflower Compact, agreeing to "enact just and equal laws," laying the constitutional foundation for colonial self-government and an important precursor to North America's tradition of political self-rule.
2. 1620–1621Plymouth settlement · MassachusettsCold and disease claimed about half the settlers in the first winter. Wampanoag chief Massasoit concluded an alliance with the colonists, and Squanto taught the settlers to grow corn and fish; after the 1621 harvest the colonists and Wampanoag celebrated together, later called the "First Thanksgiving."
3. 1621–1675Throughout Plymouth Colony · New EnglandUnder William Bradford's long governorship (1621-1657) the colony gradually expanded, establishing a representative assembly and local courts. The economy was based on agriculture, the fur trade, and fishing; the population grew from just over a hundred to several thousand, forming multiple town settlements.
4. 1675–1676Across New England · New EnglandWampanoag sachem Metacom (English name "King Philip") united multiple tribes in a large-scale war against the English colonies, and several towns within Plymouth Colony were attacked. The war ended in an English victory and the collapse of the Native resistance, profoundly altering the balance of power between New England's natives and colonists.
5. 1691Massachusetts Bay · New EnglandThe English crown issued a new charter for the Province of Massachusetts, formally merging Plymouth Colony into the Province of Massachusetts Bay and ending its history as an independent political entity. Plymouth Colony had existed for over 70 years, and its Mayflower Compact and tradition of self-governing assembly had a far-reaching influence on North American political culture.