Of all the ships that brought settlers to America from England, the Mayflower is the most famous.

It took about three months for the Mayflower to cross the Atlantic. There were approximately 102 passengers aboard. The ship was only 90 by 26 feet so this made for an uncomfortable journey. Of the 102 passengers, half were Pilgrims, the rest were soldiers and other English settlers.

The male settlers aboard decided to write an agreement to work together as a group. They were to obey all rules made for they knew that if they didn't cooperate and join together, they would not make it in their new colony. The document written was called the "Mayflower Compact."

Half of the Mayflower colonists died of sickness during their first winter in America. By the time spring arrived, the Pilgrims had become friends with a Native American named Squanto.  He taught and helped them to grow corn and to survive in their new land.