One of the primary reasons people, including large numbers of families, visit Plymouth every year is because of its major historic significance and symbolic association to the development of this country’s colonial period. There are many stories about the pilgrims landing in Plymouth and the rock that they first set foot on has come to symbolize the pursuit of freedom and the glory of this country. It is one of the stories, along with the first Thanksgiving, that grade school children don’t leave elementary without knowing and incorporating into their socialized perspective of this country’s history. And those are extremely powerful symbols, enough so that families flock in great numbers to this Massachusetts town every year.
You can pick almost any room in a hotel Plymouth and you will likely find a family who is there to uncover some of their country’s early history. This is an extremely exciting and satisfying experience for most people and fills in the mental images they’ve held throughout their lives. The Mayflower II, which is an exact replication of the original ship and Plymouth Rock are standard points of interest for almost everyone who visits, though there are actually a large number of additional historic landmarks and locations that are great places to visit while you are there.
The Pilgrim Hall Museum has recently been renovated and has expanded to include more displays and exhibits. The museum contains actual relics from the time and has great exhibits that tell the story of the early pilgrims’ experience in the new world. The National Monument to the forefathers stands at the top of a hill facing the harbor. It is the largest granite monument in the country and displays a welcoming beacon into the country. The First Parish Church is an active place of worship and also has tours available. It is the oldest continuous ministry in New England. The congregation traces its origin back to 1606 in England.