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Pilgrim Trivia Quiz: How Well Do You Know the Pilgrims?

Think you can ace this Thanksgiving trivia test? Dive into our Pilgrims quiz now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz illustration on Pilgrim trivia, Mayflower facts and Thanksgiving traditions on dark blue background.

This Pilgrim trivia quiz helps you explore the Mayflower voyage, life in Plymouth, and the first Thanksgiving. Play to learn a few new facts while you practice for trivia night or class, and if you want a quick refresher first, review Thanksgiving history before you start.

Which ship did the Pilgrims sail on to North America in 1620?
Santa Maria
Pinta
Nina
Mayflower
The Pilgrims embarked on their 1620 transatlantic journey aboard the Mayflower. It carried 102 passengers and a crew to establish Plymouth Colony. The name Mayflower has since become synonymous with that early colonial expedition. For more details, see .
In what year did the Pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock?
1622
1619
1621
1620
The Pilgrims sighted land at present-day Cape Cod in November 1620 and then moved on to Plymouth. They established Plymouth Colony that same year, marking 1620 as their arrival date. This year is widely celebrated as the beginning of permanent English settlement in New England. For more, see .
What document did the Pilgrims sign aboard the Mayflower in November 1620?
Declaration of Independence
Plymouth Agreement
Mayflower Compact
Magna Carta
The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony. Drafted and signed by 41 male passengers in November 1620, it established a basic democratic government. It is often cited as a foundational step toward self-governance in America. Learn more at .
From which English port did the Mayflower finally set sail for the New World?
Bristol
Dover
London
Plymouth
After an initial stop in Southampton, the Mayflower moved to Plymouth, England, for final provisioning and departure on September 6, 1620. From there it set off across the Atlantic to establish a new settlement. Plymouth became the namesake of the future colony. More information is available at .
What term describes the Pilgrims' religious identity in England before departure?
Separatists
Anglicans
Catholics
Puritans
The Pilgrims were Separatist Puritans who sought to break away entirely from the Church of England. They initially fled to Leiden, Holland, and eventually to the New World to practice their faith freely. Their separatist stance distinguished them from other Puritan groups. For further reading, see .
Which Native American taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate maize and fish in 1621?
Tecumseh
Massasoit
Pocahontas
Squanto
Squanto, a member of the Patuxet tribe, acted as an interpreter and guide for the Pilgrims. He taught them critical agricultural and fishing techniques that helped ensure the colony's survival. His assistance was vital during the first hard seasons. More at .
Which tribe, led by Chief Massasoit, formed an alliance with the Pilgrims in 1621?
Narragansett
Cherokee
Iroquois
Wampanoag
The Wampanoag people, under Chief Massasoit, established a peace treaty with Plymouth Colony in 1621. This alliance provided mutual protection and trade. It endured for over 50 years and was crucial to the Pilgrims' survival. See .
How many days did the first Thanksgiving celebration in 1621 last?
10
7
3
1
Contemporary accounts indicate that the 1621 harvest celebration lasted three days. It included feasting, games, and military drills. This event is often cited as the origin of the modern Thanksgiving holiday. For more, see .
Where did the Pilgrims first anchor after crossing the Atlantic?
Provincetown Harbor (Cape Cod)
Newport Harbor
Jamestown Harbor
Boston Harbor
After 66 days at sea, the Mayflower first anchored at Provincetown Harbor on Cape Cod in November 1620. The Pilgrims explored the area before moving on to establish Plymouth Colony. Their landing in Cape Cod Bay is commemorated at Provincetown. Learn more at .
Approximately how many Pilgrims were aboard the Mayflower during its voyage?
110
100
105
102
Historical records state that 102 passengers - later known collectively as the Pilgrims - sailed on the Mayflower. In addition, there were crew members whose exact number is debated. This group established the first permanent English colony in New England. More details at .
Which crop was NOT part of the Pilgrims' first successful harvest in 1621?
Wheat
Corn
Squash
Beans
The Pilgrims' 1621 harvest featured corn, beans, and squash, often called the "Three Sisters." Wheat was not part of that initial crop; it was more challenging to cultivate in New England's climate. These staple foods supported their survival. See .
Which illness claimed many Pilgrims during the first winter of 1620 - 1621?
Smallpox
Measles
Scurvy
Malaria
During the harsh winter of 1620 - 1621, lack of vitamin C and poor nutrition led to scurvy among the Pilgrims. Combined with exposure and other illnesses, scurvy contributed to high mortality rates. Nearly half of the original group perished that first season. More information at .
The Mayflower made an initial stop in the English Channel at which port before final departure?
Bristol
Dover
Southampton
Portsmouth
The Mayflower first docked at Southampton to resupply and take aboard additional passengers. Afterward, the ship moved on to Plymouth for final provisioning before the transatlantic voyage. These stops were standard for English merchant vessels. Read more at .
Which vessel sailed with the Mayflower but turned back due to leaks?
Discovery
Speedwell
Susan Constant
Godspeed
The Speedwell was hired to transport Pilgrims alongside the Mayflower but proved unseaworthy. It leaked repeatedly, forcing both ships to return to port twice before Speedwell was abandoned. Passengers were consolidated on the Mayflower alone. For details, see .
Which principle from the Mayflower Compact later appears in the U.S. Constitution?
Federalism
Rule of Law
Manifest Destiny
Separation of Church and State
The Mayflower Compact established governance based on the consent of the governed and adherence to agreed laws. This concept of rule of law underpins the U.S. Constitution's framework. It emphasizes that leaders and citizens alike are subject to common laws. More at .
Approximately how many days did the Mayflower's voyage take from England to Cape Cod?
66
64
84
70
The Mayflower departed England on September 6, 1620, and sighted Cape Cod on November 9, taking about 66 days at sea. Rough weather and slow progress made it one of the more arduous voyages of its time. The journey tested the endurance of all aboard. See for more.
Who served as governor of Plymouth Colony for over 30 years beginning in 1621?
Edward Winslow
Myles Standish
John Carver
William Bradford
William Bradford was elected governor in 1621 after the death of John Carver. He served multiple terms over more than three decades, chronicling the colony's early history in his journal. His leadership stabilized Plymouth during its formative years. For more, visit .
Which treaty, signed in 1621 between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, endured for over half a century?
Treaty of Plymouth
Treaty of Portsmouth
Treaty of Hartford
Treaty of Wessagusset
The Treaty of Plymouth, concluded in March 1621 between Governor Bradford and Chief Massasoit, established peace and mutual defense. It remained in effect for more than fifty years, preserving relative harmony in the region. This treaty exemplified early colonial - Native American diplomacy. See .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Pilgrim Origins -

    Recall key facts about the Pilgrims' motivations and voyage, including dates and leaders, through the pilgrim trivia challenge.

  2. Analyze Mayflower Journey Details -

    Describe the hardships, route, and milestones of the Mayflower pilgrims quiz to deepen understanding of colonial migration.

  3. Explain Early Thanksgiving Traditions -

    Connect historical practices and thanksgiving trivia to modern celebrations by tracing the origins of the first feast in Plymouth.

  4. Differentiate Colonial History Events -

    Compare key events from the colonial history quiz to distinguish Pilgrim-specific milestones from broader early American developments.

  5. Apply Historical Facts under Quiz Conditions -

    Use your pilgrims quiz results to reinforce memory and improve recall of important dates, names, and events related to early settlers.

  6. Evaluate Pilgrims' Cultural Impact -

    Assess the long-term influence of the Pilgrims' beliefs and actions on American traditions and national identity.

Cheat Sheet

  1. The Mayflower Voyage -

    The Mayflower's 1620 journey covered around 3,000 miles and lasted 66 days, departing England and landing at Cape Cod (National Park Service). Use the mnemonic "3-6-6" for miles, days, and month to ace any pilgrim trivia question. This foundational voyage testifies to early colonial resourcefulness and endurance.

  2. The Mayflower Compact -

    Drafted aboard ship in November 1620, this self-governance agreement united settlers under majority rule (Pilgrim Hall Museum). A quick way to remember is "C.C.C." for Compact, Consent, Community when studying colonial history quiz topics. Its principles influenced later democratic frameworks in America.

  3. Pilgrim Beliefs and Community -

    Rooted in Separatist ideals, the Pilgrims sought religious freedom and strict communal living, as documented by Plimoth Plantation. Recall "S.S.S." for Separatism, Scripture, Survival to excel in pilgrims quiz sessions. Their shared faith shaped governance, labor, and social bonds in Plymouth Colony.

  4. The Wampanoag Alliance -

    The 1621 treaty with the Wampanoag, led by Chief Massasoit, ensured mutual aid and food sharing (University of Massachusetts). Use the phrase "Corn, Fish, Peace" to memorize key alliance elements for Thanksgiving trivia. This partnership was vital for the Pilgrims' first successful harvest.

  5. The First Thanksgiving Feast -

    The autumn 1621 harvest celebration lasted three days and featured venison, corn, and seafood, as noted by Plimoth Plantation archives. For pilgrim trivia mastery, think "3 Days, 3 Foods" to recall its duration and main dishes. This feast symbolizes early cross-cultural gratitude and survival.

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