Plymouth’s Black Pilgrims: A Story You Haven’t Heard

The story of Plymouth Colony extends far beyond the traditional Mayflower narrative. 

While most Americans can recount tales of the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving, few know about the African Americans who shaped the colony’s early history, contributing to its development and fighting for American independence.

First Footprints

Plymouth Colony’s African American history began decades after the Mayflower’s arrival, with the first documented presence in 1643 – a “blackamore” listed among the colony’s armed men. (ref) 

This early mention reveals a surprising truth: the initial African presence in Plymouth predated institutionalized slavery in the colony.

Black Voices in Colonial Courts

In 1653, an African American maidservant made history by testifying in court against a white man, demonstrating that early Black residents held certain legal rights.

Robert Trayes exemplified the complex status of early Black Plymouth residents. His 1684 court case showed that some African Americans were free people, owning property and participating in colonial society. 

Chains in the Colony

The relative freedom of early Black residents gradually gave way to institutionalized slavery around 1674. Plymouth’s wealthy merchants and ship owners began acquiring enslaved people, marking a dark turn in the colony’s history. By 1715, Massachusetts counted approximately 2,000 enslaved individuals.

Human transactions became coldly documented business deals. Records show the sale of 14-year-old Euro and 25-year-old Johnno in 1729, while Jean, age 22, was sold for £105 in 1738. Perhaps most heartbreaking was the sale of a young boy named Plymouth for £23 in 1753. These transactions reveal the human cost of colonial prosperity.

Warriors for Liberty

When the Revolutionary War erupted, many Black Plymouth residents answered the call to arms. 

Four remarkable veterans emerged from this period: Quamany Quash, who fought at the Siege of Boston; Cato Howe, who endured the harsh winter at Valley Forge; and Plato Turner and Prince Goodwin, who served with distinction.

These men participated in pivotal battles including Trenton, Princeton, Saratoga, and Monmouth. Some fought while still legally enslaved, viewing military service as a path to freedom. Their courage under fire demonstrated their commitment to liberty, even as they themselves lacked it.

The New Guinea Settlement Story

In 1792, four Black Revolutionary War veterans received a remarkable opportunity – a land grant that would become the New Guinea Settlement. This community represented one of the first free Black settlements in the area, marking a significant milestone in African American history.

The settlement demonstrated early Black land ownership and independence, challenging prevailing racial hierarchies. These veterans transformed their military service into a foundation for community building, creating a haven for free Black families in Plymouth. (ref)

The Road to Liberation

The Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 declared “all men are born free and equal,” setting the stage for slavery’s abolition. Through a series of court cases in the early 1780s, Massachusetts became the first state to effectively end slavery through judicial action.

The Plymouth Anti-Slavery Society emerged during this period, inspired by William Lloyd Garrison’s passionate advocacy. However, the path to freedom faced violent opposition, with anti-slavery meetings often disrupted by hostile mobs.

Their Enduring Impact

The legacy of Plymouth’s Black residents extends far beyond their era. Their military service, community building, and pursuit of freedom established precedents that would inspire future generations. The New Guinea Settlement demonstrated the possibility of Black autonomy and self-governance long before such concepts gained widespread acceptance.

Their story reminds us that Plymouth’s history, like America’s, is more complex and diverse than traditional narratives suggest.