The
Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of
Plymouth Colony. It was written by
separatist Congregationalists who called themselves "Saints". Later they were referred to as Pilgrims or
Pilgrim Fathers. They were fleeing from religious persecution by
King James of England. They traveled aboard the
Mayflower in 1620 along with adventurers, tradesmen, and servants, most of whom were referred to by the Separatists as "Strangers".