Mayflower Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Mayflower Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Mayflower Day is celebrated on September 16th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Mayflower Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you may want to know about Mayflower Day.

📅 What day is Mayflower Day 2024?

In 2024, Mayflower Day is on Saturday, September 16th. It is the 3rd Saturday in September; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the cool details and facts about September 16, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

On September 16, we honor the journey that set the foundation for the present-day United States. For those who may not know, the region known as New England, including states like Connecticut and Rhode Island, was established by the Mayflower ship in 1620.

📜 Mayflower Day History

Despite the original plan for the ship to arrive in Virginia, the Mayflower ended up docking at Cape Cod, Massachusetts due to harsh sea conditions and storms. The first 102 passengers on the ship were led by a group of English merchants known as the London Adventurers, whose accounts of the 66-day journey provide most of the historical information. Mayflower Day commemorates the significance of the ship, its passengers, and its role in the formation of the United States. William Bradford, the governor of the Plymouth colony and one of the founding fathers of the United States, is credited with establishing the traditions of self-government through the introduction of franchises and town meetings.

✅ Mayflower Day Facts

🔖 There is a Mayflower Compact
Prior to disembarking from the Mayflower, the individuals aboard formulated and endorsed the Mayflower Compact. This established a rudimentary system of governance where every individual would participate in maintaining the security and welfare of the envisioned settlement in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

🔖 It was constructed in Harwich, England
According to historical accounts, the Mayflower was originally intended to be constructed in Harwich, England. However, it was later acquired in 1608 by Christopher Jones, an English trader.

🔖 It didn’t become a barn in England
The idea that the Mayflower ship became a barn in Jordan, England, is actually a mistake that came from a book called “The Finding Of The Mayflower” by J. Rendel Harris in the 1920s. This book, which was published during the 300th anniversary of the Mayflower’s journey, has been widely criticized for its exaggerated imagination and unreliable oral accounts.

👍 Why Is Mayflower Day Important

The Mayflower brought the founding fathers of the New England colony that became the modern-day United States. Mayflower Day commemorates all of the events that occurred prior to, during, and after the establishment of the colony in 1620.

Perhaps the best way to commemorate Mayflower Day is to visit a history museum. It is a way to participate in the historic adventure.

The history of the Mayflower ship motivates us! The historical event of the ship’s voyage, as well as the events that followed it, can sometimes serve as motivation for what is to come.

🙂 How To Observe Mayflower Day

⚡ Talk about its importance on social media

⚡ Read a history book or watch a documentary
You can find numerous free documentaries online that discuss the journey of the Mayflower from England. Alternatively, you can also visit your nearby library and explore the captivating stories written by different authors.

⚡ Visit a museum
Another way to commemorate Mayflower Day is to talk about the significance of the 66-day trip. When posting on social media, use the hashtag #MayflowerDay.

📅 When is Mayflower Day?

See all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Mayflower Day. So be sure to check back soon.