Plymouth Rock – The Pilgrims’ steppingstone.
Welcome to PlymouthRock.org! The homepage of Rockin’ the Secrets of Plymouth Rock, the perfect music to visit Plymouth Rock by if you are traveling with young children to Plymouth, Massachusetts. In fact, the storybook that the music is based on, can be found by clicking the book below.
Plymouth Rock is located in Pilgrim Memorial Park, at 79 Water Street Plymouth, Massachusetts. It is known to be the spot where William Bradford, and other Pilgrims first set foot on land in 1620. Although no historical evidence exists that confirms Plymouth Rock as, the Pilgrims’ steppingstone to the New World.
Plymouth Rock: A Historic Symbol of America’s Pilgrim Legacy
Introduction
Nestled on the shores of Plymouth Harbor in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Plymouth Rock stands as a tangible reminder of the Pilgrims’ arrival in the New World in 1620. This humble rock has become an enduring symbol of America’s colonial history and the birthplace of the nation. Despite its relatively modest size and the controversies surrounding its authenticity, Plymouth Rock continues to draw countless visitors who seek to connect with the nation’s origins.
The Arrival and Significance
According to historical accounts, the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock on December 21, 1620. They had endured a grueling 66-day voyage from Plymouth, England, in search of religious freedom and a new beginning. This marked the beginning of their settlement in Plymouth Colony, now known as Massachusetts.
Plymouth Rock has come to symbolize the initial step taken by the Pilgrims as they disembarked onto the unfamiliar American soil. While there is no concrete evidence to prove that the Pilgrims actually stepped on this particular rock, it has been widely accepted as the symbolic landing site due to its historical and cultural significance.
History and Preservation
The rock itself weighs an estimated 20,000 pounds and is made of a gray-pink granite. Originally located along the shore, it was first identified as a significant landmark in 1741 by 94-year-old Thomas Faunce, whose father was a first-generation settler. Since then, the rock has been subjected to various natural and human-induced disturbances.
Over the centuries, Plymouth Rock suffered damage from storms, vandalism, and even being split into two pieces. In 1880, it was finally moved to its current location, a climate-controlled enclosure near the waterfront. The enclosure provides protection from the elements and allows visitors to view the rock up close.
Controversies and Criticisms
Throughout its history, Plymouth Rock has been the subject of skepticism and criticism. Some argue that the significance attributed to the rock is more of a myth than a historical fact. Skeptics claim that the rock itself may have been smaller than its current size due to erosion and human handling over the years.
Additionally, the rock was not explicitly mentioned in any contemporary accounts of the Pilgrims’ arrival. Its association with the landing site was not established until over a century later. These factors have fueled debates about the authenticity of the rock and whether it is truly the spot where the Pilgrims first set foot.
Legacy and Tourism
Regardless of the controversies, Plymouth Rock remains an iconic symbol of America’s early colonial history. Every year, thousands of tourists visit the rock to pay homage to the Pilgrims and to explore the rich heritage of the Plymouth Colony.
Plymouth, Massachusetts, is home to numerous historical sites and museums that provide deeper insights into the Pilgrims’ experience and the challenges they faced in establishing their settlement. Visitors can explore the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, the Mayflower II, and the Pilgrim Hall Museum, among other attractions.
Plymouth Rock continues to serve as a symbol of America’s colonial heritage and the Pilgrims’ quest for religious freedom. Despite the controversies surrounding its authenticity, it remains an important historical landmark that attracts visitors from across the globe. By preserving and honoring this humble rock, we honor the spirit of those brave Pilgrims who embarked on a journey that would shape the course of American history.
Here at PlymouthRock.org find links to the story of Plymouth Rock plus many sights and attractions in Plymouth MA like: Alden House Museum, Blake Planetarium, 1749 Court House and Museum, 1677 Harlow Old Fort House Plymouth Ma 1809 Hedge House Museum, Jenney Grist Mill, Mayflower II, Mayflower Society House, Memorial Hall, Parting Ways, Pilgrim Hall Museum, Plimoth Patuxet, Plymouth Antiquarian Society, Plymouth Center for the Arts, 1640 Sparrow House Museum and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation. Society
PLYMOUTH TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Alden House Museum
105 Alden Street
Duxbury MA 02331
508-934-9092
www.alden.org
Blake Planetarium
117 Long Pond Road
Plymouth MA 02360
508-830-4470
Blake Planetarium
Burial Hill
Burial place of some of Plymouth’s first settlers.
1749 Court House and Museum
4 Town Square
Plymouth MA 02360
508-830-4075
1749 Court House and Museum
First Parish Church in Plymouth
19 Town Square
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-1606
http://firstparishplymouth.org
1677 Harlow Old Fort House
119 Sandwich Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-0012
https://plymouthantiquarian.org
Hedge House Museum
126 Water Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-0012
Hedge House Museum
Jabez Howland House
33 Sandwich Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-9590
Jabez Howland House
Jenney Grist Mill
6 Spring Lane
Plymouth MA 02360
Jenny Grist Mill
Mayflower II
State Pier
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-1622
Plimoth.org
Mayflower Society House
4 Winslow Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-2590
Mayflower Society House
Memorial Hall
83 Court Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-1622
www.memorialhall.com
National Monument to the Forefathers
Allerton Street
Plymouth MA 02360
Parting Ways
Plympton Street (Rte 80)
Plymouth MA
Parting Ways
The Petting Zoo and Horticultural Center
74 Obery Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-830-6810
www.pcsdma.org
Pilgrim Hall Museum
75 Court Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-1620
www.pilgrimhall.org
Plimoth Patuxet
137 Warren Avenue
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-1622
www.plimoth.org
Plymouth Antiquarian Society
Box 3773
Plymouth MA 02361
508-746-0012
plymouthantiquarian.org
Plymouth Center for the Arts
11 North Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-7222
www.plymouthguild.org
The Plymouth Rock
79 Water Street
State Pier
Plymouth MA 02360
1640 Sparrow House
42 Summer Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-1240
sparrowhouse.com
The Spooner House Museum
27 North Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-0012
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
7 Nelson Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-2522
www.whales.org
Bed & Breakfast
Above the Bay at Thornton Adams House
73 Warren Avenue
Plymouth MA 02360
508-830-1849
Auberge Gladstone
8 Vernon Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-830-1890
Barbara’s Guest House
62 Cooke Road
Plymouth MA 02360
877-594-0032
Bayberry Inn Bed & Breakfast
12 Hall Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-830-1897
By the Sea Bed & Breakfast
22 Winslow Street
508-830-9643
Cushman Place Residence
5 Cushman Street
Plymouth MA
508-747-1796
Hall’s Bed and Breakfast
3 Sagamore Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-2835
The Jesse Harlow House
3 North Green Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-6877
Seabreeze Inn Bed & Breakfast
HOTELS & MOTELS
Best Western Cold Spring
188 Court Street
Plymouth MA 02360
877-237-8731
Blue Spruce Motel & Townhouse
710 State Road (Rte. 3A)
Plymouth MA 02360
508-224-3990
Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa
149 Main Street
Sandwich MA
508-888-3622
Hampton Inn & Suites
10 Plaza Way
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-5000
Hilton Garden Inn Plymouth
4 Home Depot Drive
Plymouth MA 02360
508-830-0200
John Carver Inn
25 Summer Street
Plymouth MA
508-746-7100
Pilgrim Sands on Long Beach
150 Warren Avenue
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-0900
Plymouth Holiday Inn
155 Samoset Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-2800
Radisson Hotel Plymouth Harbor
180 Water Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-4900
PLYMOUTH RENTALS
Cushman Place Residence
5 Cushman Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-1796
Harbor House
19 Lincoln Street
Plymouth MA 02360
774-454-3359
PLYMOUTH CAMPGROUNDS
Ellis-Haven Campgrounds
531 Federal Furnace Road
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-0803
Pinewood Lodge Campground
190 Pinewood Road
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-3548
Sandy Pond Campground
834 Bourne Road
Plymouth MA 02360
508-759-9336
PLYMOUTH DINING
Blue Blinds Bakery
7 North Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-0462
Bugaboo Creek Steak House
20 Shops At 5 Way
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-6665
Cabbyshack Restaurant & Pub
30 Town Wharf
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-5354
Cupcake Charlie’s
6 Town Wharf
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-9225
East Bay Grille
173 Water Street
508-746-9751
Kiskadee Coffee
18 Main Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-830-1410
The Lobster Hut
25 Town Wharf
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-2270
Olive Garden
102 Colony Place Road
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-5043
Panera Bread
46 Shops at Five Way
Plymouth MA 02360
(508) 732-7282
The Pub at the Radisson Hotel Plymouth Harbor
180 Water Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-4900
Sam Diego’s Mexican Cookery & Bar
51 Main Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-0048
The Upper Crust Pizzeria
15 Court Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-6000
Tavern On The Wharf
6 Town Wharf
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-4195
Wood’s Seafood
15 Town Pier
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-0261
PLYMOUTH ART GALLERIES
Kusmin Art Gallery
9 Court Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-9215
DANCE STUDIOS
Center Stage Dance Academy
116 Long Pond Road Suite 16
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-0991
Dance Factory
170 Water Street #17
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-6399
Fred Astaire Dance Studio
10 Cordage Park Circle
Plymouth MA 02360
508-732-6790
PLYMOUTH TOURS
Pilgrim Path Tours
Waterfront Visitor’s Center
Plymouth MA 02360
508-830-1620
Plymouth Bay Winery
114 Water Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-2100
Tour Trends Ltd
7R Oar and Line Road
Plymouth MA 02360
508-224-2288
SHOPPING
Blue Blinds Bakery
7 North Street
Plymouth MA 02360
(508) 747-0462
Bramhall’s Country Store
2 Sandwich Road
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-1844
Common Sense Wholesome Food Market
53 Main Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-732-0427
Cupcake Charlie’s
6 Town Wharf
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-9225
Dillon & Company
12 North Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-2242
Fedele’s Chocolates
Village Landing Marketplace
170 Water Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-8907
Kusmin Art Gallery
9 Court Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-9215
Lily’s Apothecary
6 Main Street Ext
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-7546
Pioppi’s Package Store
183 Court Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-1943
Plimoth Candy Company
84 Water Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-1107
Plymouth Winery
Village Landing Marketplace
170 Water Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-3532
Something For Your Dust
16 Court Street
Plymouth MA 02360
(508) 746-2203
Sparrow House Pottery and Museum
42 Summer Street
Plymouth MA 02360
(508) 747-1240
Tallulah’s Fine Consignment
44 Main Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-927-6899
Tiny Boxes Jewelry Boutique
31 Main Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-4404
Zsa Zsa Boutique
44 Main Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-830-1112
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Alpha Salon, Spa & Boutique
47 Main Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-8285
Hot Locks Salon & Spa
20 Home Depot Drive
Plymouth MA 02360
508-830-1400
Elements the Salon
91 Samoset Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-7548
Images Hair Salon Images Hair Salon
62 Court Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-1742
Luigi’s Hair Salon and Day Spa
68 Court Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-1040
Rejuvenations Salon and Day Spa
772 State Road
Plymouth MA 02360
508224-7566
Tansation Plus Tanning Salon
45 Court Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-2299
WHALE WATCHING
Andy Lynn Boats
11 Town Wharf
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-7776
Captain John’s Boats
10 Town Wharf
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-2643″
Captain Tim Brady and Sons
16 Plantation Road
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-4809
ARTISANS
Chelsea’s Cottage & Crafters Outlet
Outlet 6 Main Street
Plymouth MA 02360
508-746-3088
Fall Brook Shop
176 County Road
East Freetown, MA
508-763-9530
LMP Soap Works
508-746-2169
Maddy and Me Designs
62 Lantern Lane
Duxbury MA 02332
781-934-7591
Sew Crazy
5 Main Street EXT. Ste. 109
Plymouth MA 02360
508-747-3019