National Mayflower Day commemorates the historic departure of the Mayflower ship from Plymouth, England, carrying 102 passengers seeking religious freedom and new opportunities in the New World.
Quick Facts
When is it?: September 16
Tagged as: Historical Commemoration
What’s the hashtag?: #MayflowerDay
When was it founded?: Not officially recorded
Who founded it?: Historical societies and educational institutions
History of Mayflower Day
The day honors the brave journey of the Pilgrims who left England aboard the Mayflower in 1620. The ship carried both religious separatists (known as the Saints or Pilgrims) and adventure seekers (called the Strangers). After a grueling 66-day voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, they reached Cape Cod, Massachusetts, though their intended destination was Virginia.
Timeline
- July 1620: Initial departure attempt with Speedwell and Mayflower
- September 16, 1620: Final departure from Plymouth, England
- November 11, 1620: Mayflower Compact signed
- November 21, 1620: Arrived at Cape Cod
- December 18, 1620: Landed at Plymouth Rock
- Spring 1621: First settlement established
- Fall 1621: First Thanksgiving celebration
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 16 | Tue |
| 2026 | September 16 | Wed |
| 2027 | September 16 | Thu |
| 2028 | September 16 | Fri |
| 2029 | September 16 | Sat |
| 2030 | September 16 | Sun |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by visiting history museums, attending educational programs, and participating in historical reenactments. Many schools use this day to teach students about early American history and the significance of the Pilgrims’ journey.
Fun Facts About Mayflower
- A baby named Oceanus was born during the voyage
- The ship was originally a merchant vessel that transported wine
- The Mayflower was equipped with 12 cannons for defense
- Nearly half of the original passengers died during the first winter
- Over 30 million Americans can trace their ancestry to Mayflower passengers
Quiz
- What was the Mayflower’s original purpose?
- How many passengers were on board?
- How long did the voyage take?
- Where did the ship first land?
(Answers: 1. Merchant ship 2. 102 passengers 3. 66 days 4. Cape Cod)
FAQs
Q: Why didn’t they land in Virginia as planned?
A: Storms and navigation errors forced them to land in Massachusetts.
Q: How big was the Mayflower?
A: The ship was approximately 100 feet long and 25 feet wide.
Related
- Plymouth Rock Day
- Thanksgiving
- Colonial America Day
- Native American Heritage Month
- American History Month