In this animated documentary, historian Jeffrey Meyer retells the story of the Pilgrims’ first meeting with the Massasoit Ousamequin in March, 1621 in order to establish peaceful relations. In July, they walked over 40 miles to meet with the Massasoit at his home in Sowams. Click here to watch the 35-minute video on YouTube, posted on July 11, 2025 as part of a series of historical videos created by Jeffrey the Librarian.

The Mayflower Pilgrims have made it through their first winter. It’s now spring. On March 16, 1620 (Old Style) / March 26, 1621 (New Style), Samoset comes to Plymouth. He is a native that can speak some English because he has encountered English fishermen. Later, he is joined by Tisquantum (Squanto).

By early summer, 1621, the English wanted to establish more formal relations with their neighbors. They had learned that Massasoit was a powerful leader. Massasoit visited Plymouth and met with Governor Carver, and together they created the first peace agreement between the English and the Pokanokets.

In July, 1621, Stephen Hopkins and Edward Winslow set out to meet Massasoit in his own town and establish relations. Squanto was their guide and interpreter and brought the group to the town of Nemasket in modern Middleborough, Massachusetts. From there, the men pressed on and reached Massasoit’s town of Sowams in modern Warren, Rhode Island. There, Plymouth and Massasoit reached an agreement of peace and friendship.