Mayflower II by smschley
Berthed a few steps from Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower II is a full-scale reproduction of the type of ship that brought the Pilgrims from England to America in 1620. The 106 1/2-foot vessel was constructed in England from 1955 to 1957 using designs, tools and methods similar to those used around the time of the original Mayflower's sailing. Great care was taken to use historically accurate materials such as English oak timbers, linen canvas sails, and true hemp rope. On June 13 1957, the Mayflower II arrived at Plymouth after a 55 day voyage. Since 1958, Plimoth Plantation has exhibited Mayflower II to tell the story of the famous 1620 voyage and the terrible "first winter" in which half of the original Mayflower's passengers and crew died from exposure and malnutrition.Once you step aboard, you're hit with the thought about how small the ship is. The quarters shared by the 102 passengers, who spent 66 days here sailing toward freedom and the unknown, are cramped and dark and you have to admire the determination of these people crowded into the 'tween decks area. There was little privacy other than blankets hung as curtains between the piles of their worldly belongings separating one family from the next. Their personal possessions, except for the minimum needed for daily existence, were stowed below in the hold with the ship's stores until they were brought ashore at Plymouth.
The Ship is manned with actors portraying 17th century seamen readying the ship for the return voyage to England, who will answer any questions as they go through their chores.
