First Island
The rugged isle of Damariscove is where New england really began.
By Colin Woodard
In late May 1622, the Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation were starving, and no surprise. Ignoring reports of fabulous fishing resources in the Gulf of Maine, they’d come to New England a year and a half earlier without fishing gear and had survived by raiding Indian grain caches. Several waves of new colonists had arrived without supplies, having foolishly believed the Pilgrims’ reports that Plymouth was thriving. “Our store of victuals was wholly spent,” Edward Winslow recalled. “Till now we were never without some bread [and] the want thereof much abated the strength and flesh of some, and swelled [the bellies of] others.”
Just when it appeared that the colonists were finished, [For the rest of this story, see the July 2008 issue of Down East.]
Comments may be edited for spelling. Profanity is discouraged. If you'd like your comment considered for inclusion in the magazine, please include your hometown and state.