Provincetown, MA
From what I understand, when the Pilgrims first came to America aboard the Mayflower, they first arrived at Provincetown and for some reason, decided not to stay. We all know from grade school that the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, which is across the bay from Provincetown and established their colony there. Nevertheless, Provincetown still feels a strong connection with these first settlers. This "Pilgrim" was seen walking up and down the main street with a large bell, bellowing, "All is well in Provincetown.... All is well in Provincetown, because YOU are here!!!" He was quite friendly and talking to all the tourists.
I was staying down the road a bit in Eastham, at a house overlooking First Encounter Beach. The story told there is that the Pilgrims first landed there, were ravenous, stole the food supplies of the indigenous people, a skirmish ensued, a shot was fired, and the Pilgrims skedaddled. They landed further up the bay at Plymouth and got a quieter and friendlier reception, perhaps because they were not as light-fingered.
ReplyDeleteYour history is probably correct. I knew the Pilgrims landed around here somewhere, but we've all been taught they landed at Plymouth Rock. If they had stayed at First Encounter Beach, we might not be celebrating Thanksgiving today.
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