Fun Fact:
John Pedro

A lesser-known Black presence in early Plymouth.

When we picture the Pilgrims, we often imagine an entirely white settlement. But the story of early Plymouth is more diverse than the familiar images suggest.

John Pedro, also known as Juan Pedro, was a Black man documented in the early 1620s who spent time in the Plymouth area. Historical accounts place him there around 1622–1624, only a few years after the Mayflower arrived. He later appeared in Virginia records, including a 1625 census that listed him as about 30 years old.

Pedro was not a passenger on the Mayflower, and there is no evidence that he attended the 1621 Thanksgiving gathering. Still, his presence reminds us that Black people were part of early colonial American history, even when their stories were left out of the pictures and popular retellings.

History note: Surviving records leave parts of Pedro’s life uncertain, including his exact status and movements. This story is about an early Black visitor to Plymouth, not a confirmed participant in the first Thanksgiving.

Learn more: WBUR’s historical reporting · MayflowerHistory.com