The document explores what may have happened if the Mayflower did not dock at Plymouth Harbor in 1620. It suggests that without establishing the Plymouth colony, there would be no Thanksgiving holiday, as the feast between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag that originated the tradition would not have occurred. Additionally, without settling in the area, the Pilgrims would not have exerted control over the Wampanoag or generated tourism around Plymouth Rock.

1. What if?
The Mayflower Didn’t Dock
At Plymouth Harbor
Deanna Vang

2. Background
The Mayflower docked at Plymouth Harbor on
December 18th of 1620. The passengers decided to
settle in an area abandoned by the Wampanoag, a
Native American tribe. Their first winter there was
harsh. Some members of the Wampanoag returned and
the two groups signed a peace treaty.

3. There would be no Thanksgiving
Evidence:
The Pilgrims and Wampanoag had a great feast in
celebration of their agreement and alliance.

4. The Wampanoag would’ve had more liberty
Evidence:
The authoritative figures of Plymouth began to assert
control over most aspects of the Wampanoag life

5. Plymouth Rock would still be big
Evidence:
“People, wanting a stake in the history, slowly chipped
away at the half of the rock still on shore.” Some tourist
wanted a souvenir of their trip and chipped off part of the
rock.

6. We wouldn’t celebrate Thanksgiving
as a holiday.

7. Bibliography
● http://thefederalist.com/2017/11/22/first-thanksgiving-nothing-like-taught/
● http://www.businessinsider.com/history-of-thanksgiving-2017-11
● https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/the-true-story-behind-plymouth-rock-639690/