When the Mayflower reached the New World in 1620, its first stop was at Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The Pilgrims aboard the ship had originally intended to land further south near the Hudson River in present-day New York, but rough seas and strong winds forced them to seek shelter at Cape Cod instead.

After spending several days exploring the area and encountering the indigenous Wampanoag people, the Pilgrims eventually settled at Plymouth, which is now known as Plymouth, Massachusetts. They established the Plymouth Colony, one of the first permanent English settlements in North America.

The journey of the Mayflower and the landing at Cape Cod are significant events in American history, marking the beginning of European colonization in the region. The Pilgrims' arrival in the New World also laid the foundation for the establishment of the United States as we know it today.

To learn more about the Mayflower's journey and the landing at Cape Cod, you can visit the Plimoth Plantation website. This historical site in Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers a firsthand look at what life was like for the Pilgrims and Native Americans during that time period.

For a deeper dive into the history of the Mayflower and its passengers, you can explore the Mayflower 400 website. This site commemorates the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower's voyage and provides a wealth of information about the ship, its crew, and the impact of its journey on American history.

Overall, the first stop of the Mayflower at Cape Cod was a pivotal moment in the colonization of North America. The bravery and determination of the Pilgrims to establish a new life in a foreign land set the stage for the development of the United States and its rich cultural heritage.

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