Explore American History From Pilgrims to the Indigenous Tribes with a Road Trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts!

We love exploring historic places all over the United States!  There’s nothing quite like exploring our roots and history of the ancestral indigenous peoples on this land, as well as learning about the wide variety of immigrants and settlers which make up our storied past. In honor of Mayflower Day,  today we’re taking a little bit longer road trip than usual and exploring the history of Plymouth, Massachusetts, the landing place of the historic Mayflower ship.

 This historic town is just south of Boston, and known as the site of the first Pilgrim Settlement founded in 1620.  With quintessential New England town charm, it is rife with coastal activities like whale watching, sailing, and boating as well as plenty of top tier dining and shopping, and of course, loads of historical sites!  So, hop in your new car from Classic and let’s hit the road to take a deep dive in American history.

Must See Historic Sites of Pilgrim and Indigenous Histories  in and near Plymouth, Massachusetts

Alden Family Historic Sites – These historic properties are located in the nearby town of Duxbury, and are now managed by descendants of the Alden Family. First, check out the Alden Homestead Site which contains the archaeological remains of the original house built by John Alden, and the John Alden House and historic museum.  Explore the life of the Alden family through historical tours and lectures, take a tour of the house and learn about the history of early American/US origins, take a self guided tour of the properties, or enjoy the Alden Pilgrim Quest guided walk that takes you back in time to the founding days of America!  You can even take a nighttime haunted house tour during the fall season.

Burial Hill – This historic cemetery and burial ground marks the site of several Pilgrims, as well as family monuments for early settlers of Plymouth.

Coles Hill – This National Historic Landmark contains the first cemetery used by the Mayflower Pilgrims, and has been owned since 1820 by the Pilgrim Society of preservationists, helping to preserve and document the early history and founding of the US.  Some of the monuments and memorial stones here date back to the Tercentenary Celebration of the Pilgrim’s landing, as well as a granite sarcophagus which houses skeletal remains believed to be early Mayflower settlers. The area also has beautiful sweeping views of the water and makes a stunning spot for some sunset viewing.

Harlow Old Fort House Museum – One of the few remaining 17th century buildings, it originally housed the family of settler William Harlow, a farmer, cooper, and town official who also served in the local militia.  You can take a guided tour featuring a plethora of hands-on activities and historical facts!  Learn about what makes this house a special landmark, see artifacts and antiques from a bygone era, and learn about Early American life in colonial New England. The museum also offers special events throughout the year including historical lectures, special presentations, and holiday seasonal events such as A Christmas Carol.

The Jabez Howland House – This historic home has been preserved, restored, and redecorated with 17th century period furnishings and accoutrement. It’s the only remaining house in existence which housed actual pilgrims, John and Elizabeth Howland and their son, Jabez Howland.  You can also visit the nearby John Howland Homestead Site and read a little more about the history of the Howlands.

The Jenney Interpretive Center – Dedicated to sharing the life, times, and significant historical impact on of the 51 Pilgrims who arrived in Plymouth and kickstarted the early founding days of the US. Enjoy walking tours of the historic Plymouth district, tours of National Monument to the Forefathers, and numerous educational lectures and programming.

Mashpee Wampanoag Museum is a little ways from Plymouth, but absolutely worth the trip for a rich historical experience.  The museum highlights the history and culture of the Wampanoag people from the Stone Age to the Present day.  It is the only museum in existence devoted explicitly to the preservation of Wampanoag History, making it a true gem of an itinerary stop off.  The museum currently houses the “400 Years Ago” exhibit highlighting the impact of the Mayflower’s landing on the Wampanoag people through the voices and memories of their elders and families.  The museum itself is situated in the Bourne-Avant House and is one of the oldest remaining homsteads near the town’s center, next to the Mashpee River and Herring Run.  It is an integral part of the Wampanoag peoples’ history, with 85% of the indigenous community living within just 20 miles of the museum.  You’ll see a portion of history through a fresh perspective and first-hand experiences like never before.

The Mayflower II and the Mayflower Meetinghouse – The Mayflower 2 was built in England to be a replica of the original 17th century ship that transported the Pilgrims here. The ship is a working vessel and floating classroom, allowing visitors an up-close view of the conditions and journey of the Pilgrims across the Atlantic.  The nearby Mayflower meetinghouse stores records from the original Pilgrims and their ancestors, and is currently the 5th structure in this location.

The Mayflower Society House and Colonial Revival Gardens – This stunning 18th century period house museum is operated by the Mayflower Society and contains three centuries of artifacts and historical displays.

Monument to the Forefathers is an 81-foot tall statue built by Boston artist and sculptor Hammatt Billings to commemorate the original passengers of the Mayflower. It features recreations of the 5 virtues: Faith, Law, Liberty, Morality, and Education.  This monument is open to the public from April through November.

The Plimoth Patuxet Museums encompasses a series of historic sites of both early settlers and Indigenous American peoples.  You’ll find a recreation of a 17th century English Village, the Plimouth Grist Mill, Patuxet Homesite, and historic Wampanoag Homesite.  Learn what the Wampanoag people experienced in their day to day lives, learn about their food and artwork, canoe building, and more from local Native people.  

Pilgrim Hall is the oldest continuously operating museum in the country for more than 200 years. This museum houses a large collection of colonial era artifacts including portraits, personal items, clothing, furniture, and more.

The Plymouth Center for the Arts is part of the downtown Cultural District and a stop off as part of the Boston South Visual Art Trail. This arts center began its journey about 55 years ago with the inception of the Plymouth Outdoor Arts Show in Brewster Gardens, and became such a huge success they moved to a permanent building in 2008.  The center offers classes, lectures, workshops and rotating exhibitions chronicling the history of the region as well as showcasing work from local artisans and regional artists. It is open 10-4 Weekdays and Saturdays, 12-4PM on Sundays.

And of course, Plymouth Rock itself.  Although it is rather unassuming in size, this historical monument is protected along the shores of Plymouth Harbor at the world-famous site where the original Mayflower landed.

Sacrifice Rock is located on Old Sandwich Road and was a gift to the Antiquarian Society to be commemorated as a historic site.  This rock was the site of generation after generation of traveling Wampanoag and other local tribespeople who left their offerings on the rock as they traveled. Over the years this created an impressive stick formation which was sadly destroyed in a fire. Today, the rock remains a sacred historic site and monument of the local indigenous peoples history protected on public park lands.

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