jan 1, 1620 - Founding of Plymouth Colony by Puritans

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Puritans believed in the idea of a "priesthood of all believers." This meant that every worshipper should experience God directly through faith, prayer, and study of the Bible - instead of through services conducted by Church priests.

Some Puritans believed in trying to change the Church of England. Other Puritans chose to leave the Church and form their own congregations. They were known as separatists.

The English king punished anyone who broke away from the Church of England. One separatist group, known today as Pilgrims, decided to leave England. In 1620, they arrived in North America and founded the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts.

Unlike Jamestown settlers, Puritans were well prepared to live in this new land. They were organized and had many supplies.

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