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Story
January 9, 1821
The Portland Gazette
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
Historical account of the Pilgrims' (Forefathers') landing in Plymouth in December 1620, detailing their exploration from Clark's Island, discovery of suitable land, and the significance of Forefathers' Rock. Reflects on the settlement's role in advancing religion and civilization in North America.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
MISCELLANY.
FOR THE GAZETTE.
THE LANDING OF THE FATHERS.
The following facts are collected respecting the landing of the fathers: Belknap gives us explicit information on this point. Speaking of a party sent from the ship, he says, "in the morning" Dec. 9, "they found themselves on a small uninhabited island, within the entrance of a spacious bay. Here they stayed all the next day, (Saturday) drying their clothes, cleaning their arms, and repairing as well as they could their shallop. The following day being the christian sabbath, they rested. On Monday, Dec. 11th they surveyed and sounded the bay. As they marched unto the land, they found corn fields and brooks, and a very good situation for building. The Island has since been named Clark's Island, from the mate of the ship, the first man who stepped on shore. The rock on which they first stepped ashore on the main land at high water is now enclosed by a wharf. The upper part of it has been separated from the lower part, and drawn into the public square of the town of Plymouth, where it is distinguished by the name of The Fore-Fathers' Rock. The 22d of Dec. is regarded by the people of Plymouth as a festival.
The settlement of North America is one of the most important events in the history of the world and of the christian church. It was a mighty conquest achieved by the King of Zion in the progress of his victories, by which he is subduing the earth to himself. Doubtless religion and science will advance through all the forests of this continent. They will fall down to compose the habitations of Jehovah's worshippers, and to form temples for his praise.
The growth of our country has been rapid beyond example. The tide of population is rolling on from the Atlantic, and ere long will spread over all the western shores of America.
The friend of man and the disciple of Christ will look back to the period of the settlement of this country with increasing interest, as the consequences of that event develop themselves, and posterity will never forget the Landing of the Fathers.
D.E.
FOR THE GAZETTE.
THE LANDING OF THE FATHERS.
The following facts are collected respecting the landing of the fathers: Belknap gives us explicit information on this point. Speaking of a party sent from the ship, he says, "in the morning" Dec. 9, "they found themselves on a small uninhabited island, within the entrance of a spacious bay. Here they stayed all the next day, (Saturday) drying their clothes, cleaning their arms, and repairing as well as they could their shallop. The following day being the christian sabbath, they rested. On Monday, Dec. 11th they surveyed and sounded the bay. As they marched unto the land, they found corn fields and brooks, and a very good situation for building. The Island has since been named Clark's Island, from the mate of the ship, the first man who stepped on shore. The rock on which they first stepped ashore on the main land at high water is now enclosed by a wharf. The upper part of it has been separated from the lower part, and drawn into the public square of the town of Plymouth, where it is distinguished by the name of The Fore-Fathers' Rock. The 22d of Dec. is regarded by the people of Plymouth as a festival.
The settlement of North America is one of the most important events in the history of the world and of the christian church. It was a mighty conquest achieved by the King of Zion in the progress of his victories, by which he is subduing the earth to himself. Doubtless religion and science will advance through all the forests of this continent. They will fall down to compose the habitations of Jehovah's worshippers, and to form temples for his praise.
The growth of our country has been rapid beyond example. The tide of population is rolling on from the Atlantic, and ere long will spread over all the western shores of America.
The friend of man and the disciple of Christ will look back to the period of the settlement of this country with increasing interest, as the consequences of that event develop themselves, and posterity will never forget the Landing of the Fathers.
D.E.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Journey
What themes does it cover?
Providence Divine
Exploration
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Pilgrims Landing
Forefathers Rock
Plymouth Settlement
Clarks Island
Historical Conquest
What entities or persons were involved?
Forefathers
Belknap
Clark
Where did it happen?
Plymouth, Clark's Island
Story Details
Key Persons
Forefathers
Belknap
Clark
Location
Plymouth, Clark's Island
Event Date
Dec. 9, 11, 22 1620
Story Details
Party from the Mayflower lands on Clark's Island Dec. 9, rests Sabbath, explores bay Dec. 11, finds suitable site; first mainland step on rock now Forefathers' Rock; Dec. 22 festival; reflects on settlement's divine importance and future growth.