The only question we had was, when was the year engraved on the rock? We were glad to see it preserved as a reminder of our ancestors that made it to our shores. We are truly a nation of immigrants from all walks of life and without these monuments all would be lost to remind us of our beginning as a nation.
Please realize this is symbolic of the act of landing in plymouth and that this is not the actual rock. It is still located right next to the Mayflower and the scallop boat they used to come ashore from then Clark's island. It is all part of the journey of a trip to Plymouth and is free. It is pretty in the harbor and an easy walk. Coles hill was the site of the true pilgrim settlement and the tombs are located on the hill above that in aptly named burial hill. all of that is free and a good walk around town ties it into the first church and the an overview of what it must have been like for them to come to an unsettled area. hard to imagine with all the business of daily life. Worth the trip if you are not one of those tourists who is pessimistic and a downer and will say "come on, that is it?" Symobolism people.
To be honest we drove past this place by an accident during our roadtrip in New England and Canada. We made a short stop to pay tribute to the American history and we were told interesting things absout the place. Unfortunately we didn't have that much of time to stay and discover the area but a short stop by the rock we did. An interesting place!
Plymouth rock sits on the bay, parking can be a bit of a sticky issue. It's really neat to see the rock and there the Mayflower II sits in the background. THere are some fantastic seafood restaurants right on the water with tasty, fresh seafood pulled from the water. Like most Cape towns, there are lots of cute little gift shops for both tourist type gifts (pilgrim costumes) and some really nice other items. If you're going to be on the Cape, you really should visit this historical town.
Plymouth Rock is historical. everyone should see it. Fun things to do downtown and a beautiful view of the bay
It's a rock but to think the Pilgrims actually stepped on it is awesome. Especially to think what they endured before and after their arrival to the new world. It's a must when in Plimouth
...it's really more about the legend than the reality. (http://americanhistory.si.edu/press/fact-sheets/plymouth-rock) After all...It's just a rock with a seam in in it, sitting silently in a protected sand pit (showing traces of illegal trespass, such as clear imprints from sneakers in the sand around it). The "temple" built around the Rock's site is supposed to shield the holy icon from vulgar invasion (;-D). Behind you, a statue of a Pilgrim stares up at a statue of a Native American perched high on a hill...putting one in a contemplative state when considering the word "invasion." (Grin). We love the town of Plymouth, it's charming and very walkable. The view FROM Plymouth Rock is beautiful, a lovely expanse of water stretches out before you, and in season, a replica of the Mayflower beckons from the harbor. Of course you have to see it!
Yes. Plymouth Rock is exactly that...a rock.Let's face it...not much you can do to jazz it up. And who would want to?Many tourists are left feeling disappointed, but the pilgrims were plain, tired people.This isn't Vegas.Just take it in and enjoy.So much to enjoy...this is just a small piece...but important to the experience.Don't miss it.
Nothing much to look at. If you know your history you know it has little value to the American experience. The power of the myth is why people go to see it. There is much more to see and do in Plymouth.
There is a lot to do in the area , although the rock is just fenced in on a beach, they do have tours of the area that are short that include more sites. You can however see so much history for free in plymouth and this is a great stop on the walking tour. I suggest it for older students ( past grade 3 ) who may have studied it in school already and have a frame of reference.