Plymouth Massachusetts Historical Sites

Known as the landing site of the pilgrims and the first permanent settlement of Europeans in the New World, Plymouth is rich in history.

Close to the Plymouth Comfort Inn you'll find:

Plimoth Plantation, using the original colonial spelling of what is now called Plymouth, recreates life in a pilgrim village in the 1620s. Authentic buildings, rare animals of that era, authentic dress and food . . . and "interpreters" (actors) who each represent actual settlers that lived here nearly 300 years ago. Ask them anything and you get a current, accurate reply . . .straight from the 1620s, authentic dialect included.

Plymouth Rock, the famous boulder (enshrined in its own portico) on which the pilgrims landed, where "1620" is carved to permanently commemorate the year.

Mayflower II, a replica of the ship on which the pilgrims made their historic journey to the New World. Once you see it, you'll be amazed they crossed the Atlantic in a very similar ship!

Forefathers Monument: The "National Monument to the Forefathers," the largest solid granite monument in the United States, stands atop a hill facing northeast toward Plymouth Harbor and ultimately toward Plymouth, England, welcoming people arriving by water. The original concept for the 81 foot (25 m) tall monument dates to the 1820s, though the cornerstone was not laid until 1859.

The monument was formally dedicated in 1889. Its inscription: "National Monument to the Forefathers. Erected by a grateful people in remembrance of their labors, sacrifices and sufferings for the cause of civil and religious liberty." Panels inscribe the names of settlers who arrived on the Mayflower. The rear panel quotes Governor William Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation: "Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing and gives being to all things that are; and as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all praise."

Jenny Grist Mill (pictured at right) is an authentically recreated grist mill circa 1636, a few minutes' drive away.

Pilgrim Hall Museum has hundreds of fascinating artifacts from the Pilgrim era.

See our Photo Gallery for more.