Survival Stories- Counting the Pilgrims Who Overcame the First Thanksgiving Winter

How Many Pilgrims Survived the First Winter?

The first winter at the Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts was a period of extreme hardship for the Pilgrims. The group of English settlers, who had landed at what is now Provincetown in November 1620, faced numerous challenges as they attempted to establish a new life in the New World. The question of how many pilgrims survived the first winter has intrigued historians for centuries, shedding light on the resilience and determination of these early settlers. This article explores the details of that harsh winter and the survival rates of the Pilgrims.

The Pilgrims, who were members of the English Separatist Church, had embarked on a perilous journey across the Atlantic Ocean aboard the Mayflower. Their primary goal was to establish a new colony where they could practice their religion freely. Upon their arrival in the New World, they faced immediate challenges, including harsh weather, limited resources, and a lack of knowledge about the local environment.

The first winter was particularly brutal. The settlers were unprepared for the cold and snowy conditions, and their lack of experience with the local climate proved to be a significant obstacle. Additionally, the lack of proper shelter and inadequate clothing contributed to the high mortality rate among the Pilgrims.

Historians have estimated that the number of Pilgrims who survived the first winter was relatively low. Out of the approximately 102 passengers who embarked on the Mayflower, only about half made it through the winter. This means that around 50 of the original settlers perished during that difficult period.

The factors that contributed to the high mortality rate were numerous. For one, the lack of food and shelter was a major concern. The Pilgrims had arrived in the middle of the harvest season, and they were unable to plant crops before the winter. This resulted in a severe shortage of food, which, combined with the harsh weather, led to widespread malnutrition and illness.

Moreover, the Pilgrims’ lack of experience with the local environment made it difficult for them to adapt to the New World. They were unfamiliar with the local flora and fauna, which could have provided them with valuable resources. Their limited knowledge of the climate also hindered their ability to prepare for the winter.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, the Pilgrims’ determination to establish their colony did not waver. As the harsh winter gave way to spring, the survivors began to rebuild their lives. They received assistance from the Wampanoag tribe, who taught them how to cultivate the land and fish in the nearby rivers. This collaboration proved to be instrumental in the Pilgrims’ survival and eventual success.

In conclusion, the number of Pilgrims who survived the first winter at the Plymouth Colony was relatively low, with only about 50 of the original 102 passengers making it through the harsh conditions. This period of extreme hardship highlighted the resilience and determination of the Pilgrims, who persevered and laid the foundation for the thriving colony that would come to define American history.