When a group of English men and women in the 17th century, fleeing religious persecution and living in exile in Holland, sought freedom and the chance at a better life, it is hard to imagine any of them believed they were changing the course of human civilization. Pursuing the opportunity for a better life, they established the foundation of what would eventually become the American dream. The Pilgrims weren’t the first people from Europe to set foot on the North American continent, but it would be hard to argue any from the early 17th century had more of a prominent impact. 

After overcoming horrific weather conditions, disease, plague, hunger, and other devastating odds, the Pilgrims sighted land on Nov. 9, 1620. Those who survived the journey would face many more challenging times in the year ahead. They engaged with indigenous tribes of the area. Some exchanges were friendly, others were not. However, they endured and would establish a society. About a year after sighting land, and a successful harvest, the Pilgrims gathered with the Wampanoag tribe to give thanks for the food, friendship, and life, and held the first Thanksgiving.