<P> Plymouth Rock is the traditional site of disembarkation of William Bradford and the Mayflower Pilgrims who founded Plymouth Colony in 1620 , and an important symbol in American history . There are no contemporary references to the Pilgrims ' landing on a rock at Plymouth . The first written reference to the Pilgrims landing on a rock is found 121 years after they landed . The Rock , or one traditionally identified as it , has long been memorialized on the shore of Plymouth Harbor in Plymouth , Massachusetts . The holiday of Thanksgiving is said to have begun with the Pilgrims in 1621 . They had come to America to escape religious persecution , but then nearly starved to death . Some friendly Native Americans ( including Squanto ) helped the Pilgrims survive through the first winter . The perseverance of the Pilgrims is celebrated during the annual Thanksgiving festival . </P>
which historical figure is known for his part in the first thanksgiving in the americas
Squanto