Plymouth /ˈplɪməθ/ (historically known as
Plimouth and
Plimoth) is a town in
Plymouth County,
Massachusetts, United States. Plymouth holds a place of great prominence in American history, folklore and culture, and is known as "America's Hometown." Plymouth was the site of the colony founded in 1620 by the
Pilgrims, passengers of the famous ship the
Mayflower. Plymouth is where
New England was first established. It is the oldest municipality in
New England and one of the oldest in the United States. The town has served as the location of several prominent events, the most notable being the
First Thanksgiving feast. Plymouth served as the capital of
Plymouth Colony from its founding in 1620 until the colony's merger with the Massachusetts Bay colony in 1691. Plymouth is named after the
English city of the
same name.