In 1620, a group of English people called the Pilgrims sailed to America on a ship called the Mayflower. They left England because they wanted religious freedom and a new life. The journey across the Atlantic Ocean was long and dangerous. It took over two months, and the ship faced strong storms and cold weather. When they arrived, the Pilgrims landed in what is now the state of Massachusetts. Life was very hard at first. Many people became sick, and some did not survive the first winter. But with help from Native Americans, the Pilgrims learned how to grow crops and build homes. The voyage of the Mayflower is an important event in American history. It shows the courage and determination of people who wanted a better life. Today, the story of the Mayflower is remembered every year at Thanksgiving.