Pilgrim's Progress
Last week we talked about the voyage Pilgrims took across the Atlantic Ocean to find freedom in the New World. They had to deal with stormy weather and sickness throughout their journey, and then as they approached the coast, treacherous seas nearly caused a shipwreck. After delivering the Pilgrims to their new home in America, the Mayflower returned to England, made at least one more trip as a cargo vessel to France, and then is thought to have been sold as scrap. Some accounts have it being repurposed as a barn in England.
According to historical records, it's likely the Pilgrims brought over some chickens, pigs, and possibly goats with them in the first trip to the new world. Cattle arrived later on different ships from Europe. After a few years, these animals had multiplied in number and the new Americans had their first herd of cattle.
Once anchored, the passengers apparently had some disagreements about the previous contract they signed with the Virginia Company. Ultimately the passengers resolved their disagreements. They signed a new contract in order to establish a form of government for the community. This was referred to as the Mayflower Compact. Even after setting up camp on dry land, the Pilgrims faced a harsh winter that first year. Since they arrived in mid-November, there really wasn't much time before winter set in to gather food. Sickness and malnutrition claimed more than half of the first settlers.
These folks did not give up and by the following fall had figured some things out. The native tribes that were in the area offered them assistance with crops, hunting and fishing. Thankfully, we've continued to figure this out over the years and have some much more convenient forms of hunting and gathering. We invite you to visit our extremely easy to use online store to purchase everything you'll need for a delicious holiday season - We've sold out of Turkeys, but we have Roasts, Duck, Chicken, Steaks, Chops, Briskets, and everything in between. Don't wait too long...Thanksgiving is approaching fast.
Well Wishes, Team USWM
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