Cole’s Hill, Plymouth Rock, and the Pilgrim Hall Museum
The year 1620 marks a pivotal moment in the history of New England and, indeed, the United States: the arrival of the Puritans, later known as Pilgrims, at Plymouth, Massachusetts. This settlement is a cornerstone of American identity, yet the physical remnants of this earliest period often fall short of truly capturing the essence of the colony’s initial struggles and triumphs. Many historical sites have been altered over time, losing their original character. However, one location offers a palpable connection to the past: Cole’s Hill. Dominating the landscape of Plymouth Harbor, Cole’s Hill provides a sweeping panorama that evokes the very scene that greeted the weary passengers of the Mayflower.
Rising from the edge of Plymouth Bay, near the base of Leyden Street, the original settlement’s main thoroughfare, Cole’s Hill served a somber yet vital purpose. It was the first burial ground for the Plymouth colonists, the Pilgrims, and others who succumbed to the harsh conditions of the "starving time" – the devastating winter of 1620-21. Historical accounts describe how the dead were buried in secret, under the cover of night, their graves disguised to conceal the colony’s weakened state from the Native Americans. This act of desperation underscores the precariousness of their early existence. Beyond its role as a cemetery, Cole’s Hill also held strategic importance. In later years, colonists strategically placed cannons atop the hill to defend against potential sea attacks, recognizing its commanding position over the harbor.
The land that makes up Cole’s Hill was later assigned to Deacon Samuel Fuller, the Mayflower’s physician and surgeon. The hill’s name, however, is attributed to a popular tavern keeper who established his business on the overlooking bay spot after 1645. While other locations in Plymouth hold historical significance, such as Burial Hill, the site of the colony’s first fort, and Leyden Street, where the settlers constructed their first homes, their historical character has been significantly altered by time and urban development. Burial Hill, for instance, is now surrounded by the graves and monuments of subsequent generations. In contrast, Cole’s Hill remains relatively open, providing unobstructed views of the bay where the Mayflower anchored and the shoreline where the Pilgrims first set foot.
Today, the Pilgrim Society meticulously maintains Cole’s Hill as a public park. At its summit stands a memorial erected by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, dedicated to the Mayflower Pilgrims. Beneath this monument lies a crypt containing bones unearthed during 18th and 19th-century excavations. Because no burials occurred on the hill after 1637, it is believed that these remains may belong to those who perished during the colony’s early, challenging months after enduring the arduous journey across the Atlantic. A statue of Massasoit, the Wampanoag chief whose alliance provided crucial protection to the fledgling colony in its formative years, also graces the hill, a testament to the complex relationship between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans.
At the base of Cole’s Hill lies Plymouth Rock, an iconic symbol of the Pilgrims’ arrival and a stepping stone to the New World. The rock has been moved several times and has been revered for over two centuries, first by the inhabitants of Plymouth and later by the nation. This granite boulder, etched with the date 1620, serves as a tangible reminder of the Pilgrims’ landing in New England. Housed under a classical portico and surrounded by an iron fence, the rock, partially submerged, rests at the foot of Cole’s Hill. While historians debate whether this specific rock marks the precise location where the first exploring party disembarked, its symbolic significance as the traditional landing site remains undeniable. The United States has long venerated this rock as a symbol of its foundational narrative.
Located on Carver Street, Cole’s Hill offers a reflective space to contemplate the Pilgrims’ journey. To further immerse oneself in their history, the Pilgrim Hall Museum, located at 75 Court Street (Route 3A), offers a comprehensive account of the Pilgrims’ lives and experiences. Founded in 1824, this institution stands as the nation’s oldest continuously operating public museum, boasting an unparalleled collection of Pilgrim artifacts.
The Pilgrim Hall Museum offers a profound glimpse into the world of the Pilgrims through its extensive collection of artifacts. Among its most prized possessions is William Bradford’s Bible, a testament to the importance of faith in their lives. Myles Standish’s sword evokes the military leader’s role in protecting the fledgling colony. The only known portrait of Pilgrim Edward Winslow, painted during his lifetime, offers a rare glimpse into the appearance of one of the colony’s leaders. The cradle of Peregrine White, the first English child born in New England, symbolizes the beginnings of a new generation. William Brewster’s imposing chair speaks to his authority within the community. Even the earliest sampler created in America, meticulously embroidered by Myles Standish’s teenage daughter, offers a glimpse into the everyday lives and skills of the Pilgrim women. These artifacts, carefully preserved, bring the story of the Pilgrims to life in a tangible and compelling way.
Visiting Cole’s Hill, Plymouth Rock, and the Pilgrim Hall Museum provides a multi-faceted experience, allowing visitors to connect with the history of the Pilgrims on both a physical and intellectual level. From the sweeping views from Cole’s Hill to the symbolic weight of Plymouth Rock and the intimate details revealed within the Pilgrim Hall Museum, these sites offer a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal chapter in American history.
More Information:
Pilgrim Hall Museum
75 Court Street
Plymouth, Massachusetts 02360
508-746-1620
http://www.pilgrimhall.org/