Discusses the history of the Pilgrims in Massachusetts, the early government of the Plymouth Colony, and the document known as the Mayflower Compact.

"Heinemann KnowIt"--Cover.

Recording important events -- The Massachusetts state house -- Landing of the Pilgrims -- The Protestant Reformation and the English Reformation -- The Separatists -- The Mayflower -- William Brewster's manor-house -- The governor of Plymouth -- The historian of Plymouth -- Laws and covenants -- Mourt's relation -- Bradford's copy of the Mayflower Compact -- Loyal to the king -- A "civil body politic" -- Preserving unity -- The loss of Bradford's book -- John and Priscilla Alden -- How Thanksgiving became a holiday -- Interview with Betsy Lowenstein -- The Mayflower Compact today -- A model of Plymouth Colony.