Mayflower Factsheets
The Wampanoag and the First Thanksgiving
The first winter in their new land was hard
for the Pilgrims, many died from disease
and malnutrition. After some months, the
Pilgrims developed relationships with the
Wampanoag; Native American people already
living in South-eastern Massachusetts. The
Wampanoag taught the Pilgrims to grow
crops and live off the land, so they could
successfully build their plantation.
After a successful harvest the Wampanoag
and the Pilgrims celebrated their
achievements through 3 days of prayer.
Although the Pilgrims did not call this event
‘Thanksgiving’, it was to become the first
Thanksgiving celebration. There is much
more
to understand in regards to the relationship
between colonists and Native Americans,
you can explore this story further in our
Mayflower Exploration section.
Learn more
The Wampanoag
• Through their learning section Plimoth
Plantation living museum provide a
children’s essay on the Wampanoag and
who they are.
• Learn more about the relationship between
the Pilgrims and native Americans here.
American Traditions and the First
Thanksgiving
• Plimoth Plantation provides an interactive
activity, where students can become
the Historian and learn about the first
Thanksgiving event.
• The Pilgrim Hall Museum hosts a wealth of
information on the history of Thanksgiving,
but you can access resources that provide
specific details on the Thanksgiving event
of August 1621 and the evolution of
Thanksgiving.
• Scholastic has a virtual tour and ‘field trips’
of the first Thanksgiving.
Image source: http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/11/23/what-reallyhappened-first-thanksgiving-wampanoag-side-tale-and-whats-done-today-145807