Massachusetts Colony

Year Massachusetts Colony Founded: 1620

Founded By: Separatists - Puritans

Motivation for Founding: Separatists in England fled to Holland in 1608 and then decided to find refuge in America where they could create a home for themselves in the Massachusetts Colony. They came over on the Mayflower.

Significance: The Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower created the Mayflower Compact. This agreement to form a government and to submit to the will of the majority set up the precedent of written constitutions.

Important People: William Bradford - Chosen governor thirty times in annual elections.
Priscilla and John Alden
John Winthrop