| |
Plymouth Rock
First
described in 1741, Plymouth Rock has the distinction of being
the nation's oldest historical tourist attraction. An inspiration
to Revolutionary Americans, the upper portion of the world
famous rock was dragged to Plymouth Town Square in 1774. The
slab of Dedham Granodiorite was later placed on display at
the Pilgrim Hall in 1834. Later in 1880 it was returned to
the waterfront and covered in an ornate Victorian portico.
That was replaced in 1921 by the Greek-style canopy seen today.
Knowing that the landing at the rock is not historically
accurate has not slowed the pilgrimage of tourists. Although
it has been described by one visitor as "the most disappointing
landmark in America" still, as de Toqueville first discovered,
it is simultaneously revered. Something about the expansive
nation requires an anchor in place and time. Plymouth Rock
has become that anchor. Its interpretation has led to historical
tourist sites as diverse as the nearby Plymouth Wax Museum,
to Pilgrim Hall and Plimouth Plantation, a fully reconstructed
and active pioneer village. Today, with a reconstruction of
the Mayflower nearby, visitors arrive, stare, toss pennies,
laugh and pose for photographs. Despite our largely inaccurate
view of the founding families, the magnetic attraction of
this seven ton rock is as powerful as ever.
Plymouth National Monument
No trip to Cape Cod is complete without a visit to the Plymouth
National Monument to the Forefathers. Conceived in 1820 with
the establishing of the Pilgrim Society, the idea did not
solidify until 1850 when the Society resolved to erect it.
The finished monument was dedicated on August 1, 1889, and
has stood in its present location In Plymouth, Cape Cod for
more than 100 years.
Colossal in size, Plymouth Monument is a fitting tribute
to our forefathers who were said to have landed on Plymouth
Rock. Solid granite, it stands 81 feet tall from its base
to its top. The central figure of Faith is 180 tons and stands
36 feet tall atop a 45-foot pedestal. The circumference of
the head at her forehead is nearly 14 feet, and her uplifted
finger is over two feet long.
To get the most out of your visit, you might want to begin
by reading the principal dedication on the monument. Additionally,
two other tablets list the names of the passengers on the
Mayflower along with their principal benefactor, Robert Cushman.
The figures on the monument are intended to be read from top
to bottom, beginning with the personification of Faith who
symbolizes the virtue which inspired the Pilgrim's journey
to the New World
Plimoth Plantation
Become part of the living history experience at Plimoth Plantation
in Plymouth, MA. Through its primary living history exhibits,
the 1627 Pilgrim Village and Hobbamock's (Wampanoag) Homesite,
Plimoth Plantation seeks to re-create the people, time and
place of 17th-century Plymouth. Specially trained staff members,
painstaking research, period costumes and dialect, authentically
reproduced buildings and artifacts are some of the vital components
of this unique experience. On the Mayflower II - a full-scale
reproduction of a 17th-century vessel - visitors learn about
the Pilgrims' 1620 ocean crossing, as well as about construction
techniques of both a 17th-century ship and its 21st -century
counterpart. As you enter, you'll see an exhibit on New England's
Native Peoples, an explanation of why the colonists left England
and Holland, and a hands-on exhibit explaining 17th-century
navigation.
Pilgrams of Plymouth Rock
In the 1627 Pilgrim Village, each day corresponds to a day
in the year 1627. As colonists talk to you in 17th-century
dialects you'll hear about issues of land ownership
and payment of debt, or even the colony's latest gossip. In
the Crafts Center, artisans demonstrate the making of goods
that the colonists either brought with them or imported from
Europe. The Nye Barn is a contemporary exhibit created to
give visitors a more in-depth look at the museum's rare breeds
program. The Plantation's newest indoor exhibit, Thanksgiving:
Memory, Myth & Meaning, leads visitors from present day
celebrations and traditions backward through time, ending
with the 1621 harvest celebration from the perspectives of
the participants, the Wampanoag and the English. During spring
and summer, the Plantation offers family oriented programs
that delve deeper into the rich history and tradition surrounding
the English and Wampanoag.
Located just 25 miles from Plymouth Rock in historic Falmouth,
the Holiday Inn - Falmouth is a charming seaside resort
hotel in the heart of Cape Cod. Relax in comfortable, amenity-rich
accommodations designed with contemporary features and New
England style for both business and leisure travel. The Holiday
Inn is the ideal Cape escape and a convenient stop over for
people traveling to Plymouth, magnificent Martha's Vineyard
or Provincetown. The Holiday Inn offers exciting special &
packages that help you explore America's diverse and
significant history.
|
|
