The Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony. It was written by the Separatists, also known as the "Saints", fleeing from religious persecution by King James of England. They traveled aboard the Mayflower with other individuals such as craftsmen, adventurers, and families trying to start new lives.
The Mayflower Compact - 1620
In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the Faith, etc.:
Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic; for our better ordering, and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.
In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, 1620.
Signers of the Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was signed by 41 of the ship's 101 passengers. The signers included:
- John Carver
- William Bradford
- Edward Winslow
- William Brewster
- Isaac Allerton
- Myles Standish
- John Alden
- Samuel Fuller
- And 33 others
Historical Significance
The Mayflower Compact is considered to be one of the most important documents in American history. It established the first basis for government in what would become the United States and demonstrated the principle of self-government and common consent.
The Compact remained in effect until Plymouth Colony merged with the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1691.