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MAYFLOWER Pilgrim Ship (1:83)

They came across the wild Atlantic - 104 men, women and children, as well as 30 sailors - in search of the longed-for land of freedom. A typical merchant vessel of the 17th century, the Mayflower left the English coast behind on 6 September 1620. On board the little vessel the Pilgrim Fathers and their families were at the mercy of the swirling sea, exposed to terrible storms, fever, disease and constant uncertainty. After 67 days and a distance of 3,500 sea miles, land was sighted at last. Still on board, the 41 Pilgrim Fathers signed Americas first charter proclaiming majority rule, the basis of American democracy. Their first settlement later became the city of Plymouth.