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William Bradford

Type Figure Region North American colonies Time 1590–1657 Also known as Governor Bradford

William Bradford (1590–1657), leader of the Mayflower Pilgrims, governed Plymouth almost continuously from 1620 until his death, drafted the Mayflowe…

Timeline

  1. 1631–1640Plymouth · Plymouth ColonyIn the 1630s Bradford continued to be reelected governor of Plymouth, dealing with population growth, land expansion, and boundary and church relations with the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He received exiles such as Roger Williams in transit and recorded major events including the colony's involvement in the Pequot War, leaving precious first-hand sources for later generations.
  2. 1641–1657Plymouth · Plymouth ColonyFrom 1640 through the 1650s Bradford continued to direct colonial affairs, participated in New England Confederation business, and wrote Of Plymouth Plantation recounting the Pilgrim migration. He died at Plymouth in 1657 and is regarded as a key witness and chronicler of early American colonial history.

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