September 16 in American History

September 16, 1620 — the Mayflower sets sail

Carrying 102 passengers, the Mayflower departed Plymouth, England, bound for the Virginia colony — a 66-day Atlantic crossing that landed them, off-course, at Cape Cod instead. The Mayflower Compact they signed on arrival is one of the earliest American documents of self-government.

Common Questions

What happened on September 16 in American history?

In 1620: the Mayflower sets sail. Carrying 102 passengers, the Mayflower departed Plymouth, England, bound for the Virginia colony — a 66-day Atlantic crossing that landed them, off-course, at Cape Cod instead.

Why is September 16 significant?

Carrying 102 passengers, the Mayflower departed Plymouth, England, bound for the Virginia colony — a 66-day Atlantic crossing that landed them, off-course, at Cape Cod instead. The Mayflower Compact they signed on arrival is one of the earliest American documents of self-government.

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