Our "Operation Plymouth Rock" has one simple mission -- to find souvenirs of
the the famous fictitious American landmark. No, the Pilgrims did not land here,
but the boulder has become an enduring icon of the United States. Click through
our gallery for more tha a dozen images of the historic monument in Plymouth,
Ma.
PLYMOUTH ROCK
Plymouth, MA
Symbolic landing place of the Pilgrims in 1620
Deciated 1744, 1880, 1921
No monument marks the spot where New Hampshire's first settlers arrived in 1623. Although this web feature is dedicated to Seacoast, New Hampshire, when it
comes to monuments, there is none as famous as Plymouth Rock in nearby Massachusetts.
Of course, as history tells us, the Separatists or "Saints" did not first land
at Plymouth, but at Cape Cod near Provincetown in November 1620. It is extraordinarily
unlikely that the rock now covered by a Greek-styled portico houses the rock on
which the Mayflower pilgrims stepped. That landing site, most historians agree,
is miles away. The structure houses, instead, a symbol so embedded in American
legend, that the truth of the matter fades in comparison.
First described in 1741, Plymouth Rock has the distinction of being the nation's
oldest historical tourist attraction. An inspiration to Revolutionary Americans,
the upper portion of the world famous rock was dragged to Plymouth Town Square
in 1774. The slab of Dedham Granodiorite was later placed on display at the Pilgrim
Hall in 1834. Later in 1880 it was returned to the waterfront and covered in an
ornate Victorian portico. That was replaced in 1921 by the Greek-style canopy
seen today.
Knowing that the landing at the rock is not historically accurate has not slowed
the pilgrimage of tourists. Although it has been described by one visitor as "the
most disappointing landmark in America" still, as de Toqueville first discovered,
it is simultaneously revered. Something about the expansive nation requires an
anchor in place and time. Plymouth Rock has become that anchor. Its interpretation
has led to historical tourist sites as diverse as the nearby Plymouth Wax Museum, to Pilgrim Hall and Plimouth Plantation, a fully reconstructed and active pioneer village. Today, with a reconstruction
of the Mayflower nearby, visitors arrive, stare, toss pennies, laugh and pose
for photographs. Despite our largely inaccurate view of the founding families,
the magnetic attraction of this seven ton rock is as powerful as ever.
Little Engine That Could July 4 - 6, 2008 LINCOLN -- Hi everyone!! We are trying to get the word out that the Little Engine That Could will be at the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, NH on July 4,5 & 6, 2008. People can purchase tickets right online at our website.
The train is a full-sized repli...
Art in Nature July 4 - 10, 2008 RYE, NH -- Celebrate art, nature and science during this week-long event. We will explore inspiring and creative ways of connecting to the environment through hands-on workshops, programs and activities for all ages. You can learn about organic sculptur...
Zoo Farm July 5 - 6, 2008 CANDIA -- Enjoy all day zoo admission; unlimited pony, tractor and horse-drawn hay. rides; and a bag of grain for each child. All for just $16.00 per person!
So pack your lunch and spend the day with us at the farm. We look forward
to seeing you! For...
Freedom Rocks July 5, 2008 The Freedom Rocks Festival is one that truly incorporates a gamete of musical talent. Everything from metal bands, garage, funk, alternative, retro and classic rock perform on stage. Ranging music styles and artists come together to form a festival fill...
Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival July 6, 2008 This 13th annual celebration of joyous creativity which Tommy Gallant helped initiate, has become a staple item on our summer menu. Don't miss this venue of jazz greats organized by UNH Jazz Master Dave Seiler.
Sammie Haynes July 6, 2008 ROCHESTER -- The Governor's Inn presents a beautiful late afternoon in the garden (or under the patio in case of rain) Great food and drinks and company
HARVEY REID July 6, 2008 SOUTH BERWICK -- Maine songwriter and stringed-instrument virtuoso Harvey Reid will appear in concert This is Harvey's only local concert this summer. It takes place outdoors in the beautiful garden at the historic Hamilton House in South Berwick, Maine...
Theatre Camp July 7 - 11, 2008 KIDS THEATRE CAMP, July 7-11, 9 AM to 12 NOON, Ages 6-9
Now in its eighth year, this popular week-long camp features creative drama, movement, and visual arts activities, with a final performance at 6:30 PM on Friday, July 11.
Limited to 14 campers. ...
PPAF Summer Theatre Academy begins July 7, 2008 We believe that every child has an innate sense of creativity and imagination. Our Summer Theatre Academy is geared toward developing confidence and advancing performance skills so that every child can be a star. Students will not only learn theatrical ...
NHTP Teen Camp Starts July 7, 2008 TEEN THEATRE CAMP, July 7-19, Ages 13-17
This intensive camp will focus on a theme from classic dramatic literature. (Teen Camp 2007 featured William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night). Participants will learn acting, directing and design skills along with...
