…A Study of Beer and Brewing in 18th-Century England… | Bryan A. Guderian, 2001
The Pilgrims at the 1621 Plymouth harvest celebration almost certainly had a morning drink, and it was very likely beer. Here’s the evidence from primary sources and historical context:
- Beer was the standard breakfast beverage for English people in the early 17th century, including the Pilgrims (many of whom were Separatists from Scrooby, England). Water was often unsafe or distrusted, especially in new settlements, so even children and pregnant women drank “small beer” (low-alcohol, around 1–3% ABV).
- The Mayflower’s cargo manifest and passenger accounts show they brought large quantities of beer. Edward Winslow’s letter (December 1621) mentions they were running dangerously low on beer by late 1621, implying it was a daily staple they were rationing.
- William Bradford (governor of Plymouth) wrote in Of Plymouth Plantation that when the Mayflower arrived, the crew was anxious to leave because their beer was nearly gone—they considered beer essential for health and survival.
- On the day of the 1621 harvest celebration itself, the Wampanoag guests (90+ men) arrived unexpectedly. The English served what beverages they had, and surviving accounts suggest beer was among them (along with whatever distilled spirits or wine remained).
Meadowbrook Elementary School Kindergarten Thanksgiving Play
Hampden County Massachusettshttps://t.co/Fp44r9rrzUhttps://t.co/4ZhUXZSzdT pic.twitter.com/y7WV7exWlg— Standards Michigan (@StandardsMich) November 25, 2025
