L A historical marker and small monument mark Plymouth Rock the alleged location of the Pilgrims first landing in the New World sailing along the coast Instead they would remain safely aboard their ship until Jones gave the order to raise sail and return to England Even before setting a single foot on land the Pilgrims were roiled in argument Most had staked everything they owned on the Plymouth Company The voyage was a business venture and a religious pilgrimage And the Pilgrims had agreed to give all profits made for seven years to the company Failure would probably ruin the Pilgrims financially But Jones had made his decision Before any settlement could take place the settlers would have to scout the land They needed to find fresh water and a safe sheltered harbor They needed suitable planting ground and fertile soil They also had to prepare for an encounter with the native inhabitants wherever they might be The day of their arrival was a Saturday Sunday was a day for rest and prayer Even after their long sea voyage the passengers remained aboard the Mayflower On Monday November 13 Jones several passengers and crew members climbed into a lighter smaller boat used for shore parties They raised the boat's lone sail began to row and headed for shore uncertain of what they might find
I Harwich remains a busy seaside town today 400 years after the Mayflower was built there Chapter 2 THE ORIGIN OF THE MAYFLOWER The coastal town of Harwich lies on England's eastern coast At this spot the Stour and Orwell Rivers empty into the North Sea Approximately 30 miles 50 km to the south is the mouth of the Thames the river that flows through the vast bustling port of London England In the early 1500s Harwich was a fishing port It grew larger and busier as trade with Asia and the Americas increased Merchants
