The Pilgrims founded Plymouth Colony in 1620 in order to freely practice their religion, as it was difficult to do so in Europe where they faced persecution from the Church of England. They established the Mayflower Compact to govern their colony and establish religious freedom, setting a precedent for future governments. With help from Squanto, who taught them how to farm and fish, they were able to establish the first successful colony in Plymouth.

1. Ch3, Sec 5: Seeking Religious Freedom The Pilgrims founded Plymouth Colony (first successful colony in the North) in 1620 in order to practice their religion freely.