<< Pilgrims liked colors, and in general, the pilgrims were frugal. Maybe on Sunday, some might wear black, but the typical black and white clothing exemplifies the Puritans who started Boston. Pilgrims were too joyful to wear black regularly. Useless buckles on hats were considered as foolish, vain, and wasteful; a braided leather was much more practical. ---- The Gadsden Flag was not pilgrim; it appeared 150 years later.

Land of the Free and Home of the Brave

The Pilgrims had significant freedom living in the city of Dreyden, Holland. But, many parents decided that the temptations of Holland were bad, particularly for the young folks,  So, the Pilgrims worked and saved and rented two ships too late in the season.  One leaked and turned back.  The other arrived at Plymouth in November, so cold, so dark, so frigid.  Of the original fifty, about a quarter died in two months and about another quarter died by May. Late in spring, into the tiny village, a native American named Squanto strolled as he smoked his pipe and wore a top hat and tails.  (see Journal of William Bradford.)  

Today almost one percent of the citizens of the United States claim some lineage from the Pilgrims.  Census-wise, that is about 3 million people.


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