Ready to drop a truth bomb at your next dinner party? Ask your friends where the Mayflower Pilgrims first landed in 1620. If they shout “Plymouth!” with smug certainty, you get to be the one to tell them they’re wrong. The real answer? Provincetown, Massachusetts.
That’s right—before the famous feast, the Pilgrims first stepped onto the sandy shores of P-town. But this charming Cape Cod town isn’t just a dusty historical footnote; it’s one of the most fabulously LGBTQ+ friendly places in the United States. Let’s dive into its rich history, its even richer present, and why you need to plan a trip immediately.
The Pilgrims’ Journey: A Not-So-Straight Story
Picture it: a cramped ship, the Mayflower, bobbing across the Atlantic for two long months. Aboard were a bunch of sea-worn adventurers seeking religious freedom and a fresh start. In November 1620, they finally dropped anchor in what is now Provincetown Harbor. After their ordeal, they spent five weeks exploring every sandy nook and cranny of the Outer Cape. Those five weeks cemented the legacy of the Provincetown Pilgrims, long before Plymouth claimed the spotlight. It was here, before they even touched land, that they drafted and signed the Mayflower Compact—America’s first declaration of self-governance. Talk about revolutionary.
So why did they pack up and leave after just five weeks? After exploring as far as Eastham, a dramatic run-in with the local Nauset tribe made them reconsider their welcome. Deciding it was time for a change of scenery (and a little less drama), they sailed across the bay and landed at Plymouth on December 16, 1620. Plymouth may have the rock, but Provincetown had the premiere.
Why Does Plymouth Get All the Glory?
So, why has Provincetown’s starring role in Pilgrim history been overshadowed by Plymouth? It comes down to a mix of geography and some serious PR. Plymouth’s famous rock and bustling historic sites are hard to miss. Meanwhile, the spot where the Pilgrims actually first landed, Pilgrims’ First Landing Park, is tucked away in Provincetown’s West End. Hidden behind some leafy greenery in the middle of a rotary at the end of Commercial Street, it’s easy to cruise right by it.
But if you stop and look, you’ll find a plaque marking the spot and a stunning view of the harbor. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder that the Provincetown Pilgrims made their first historic landing right here.
P-Town’s Historical Landmarks: More Than Just Old Rocks
The Pilgrim Monument
You literally can’t miss it. Standing 252 feet tall, the Pilgrim Monument is a massive granite tribute to those brave souls. Construction began in 1907 when President Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone, and it was officially dedicated in 1910 by President William Taft.
Inspired by the Torre del Mangia in Siena, Italy, this is the tallest all-granite structure in the U.S. The climb to the top includes 116 steps and 60 ramps, and the panoramic views are absolutely worth the workout. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Boston. Inside, the walls are lined with stones representing Massachusetts towns, a fitting tribute to the state’s history.
- Find it: The Pilgrim Monument is located on High Pole Hill Road.
- Pro Tip: Go for the sunset. You won’t regret it.
From Pilgrims to Pride: A Queer Haven is Born
Provincetown’s LGBTQ+ history is as vibrant and essential as its Pilgrim roots. Once a haven for artists and writers, it has blossomed into a world-renowned gay travel destination. Want to walk through P-town’s queer history? Take a walking tour and see where the first gay bar popped up or where icons like Grace Jones, Divine, and Tennessee Williams partied. This town doesn’t just tolerate its queer community; it celebrates it with every rainbow flag flying high.
Celebrating Thanksgiving in Provincetown: Do It With Pride
The Lighting of the Monument
Forget Black Friday chaos. The can’t-miss event of the season is the annual Lighting of the Monument. On Wednesday, November 26th, the tower is draped in thousands of twinkling lights, kicking off the holiday season with a brilliant glow. It’s a magical tradition that draws crowds from all over.
Thanksgiving Feasts & Black Friday Shopping
Provincetown does Thanksgiving with style. You’ll find plenty of dining options, many LGBTQ+-owned, serving everything from classic turkey to fresh seafood. The next day, hit up Commercial Street for Black Friday. Ditch the big-box stores and explore funky boutiques, quirky art galleries, and eclectic shops. You’ll feel great snagging bargains while supporting small, locally-owned businesses.
Your P-Town Pilgrimage Awaits: Where the Pilgrims First Landed and the Gays Followed
Provincetown is a beautiful mash-up of history and hedonism, a place where the legacy of the Pilgrims and the spirit of Pride coexist. It’s impossible to walk these streets without feeling the overlapping footprints of the Provincetown Pilgrims and generations of LGBTQ+ trailblazers who followed. It’s a town that has evolved from a landing spot for religious separatists into a sanctuary for those seeking a different kind of freedom.
Whether you’re here to trace the steps of the Pilgrims or dance the night away at a drag show, P-town welcomes you with open arms. Ready to plan your trip to the place where American history and queer culture collide? Check out our gay guide to Provincetown and plan your perfect adventure.
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