 Despite the colony 's relatively short existence , Plymouth holds a special role in American history . A significant proportion of the citizens of Plymouth were fleeing religious persecution and searching for a place to worship as they saw fit , rather than being entrepreneurs like many of the settlers of Jamestown . The social and legal systems of the colony became closely tied to their religious beliefs , as well as English custom . Many of the people and events surrounding Plymouth Colony have become part of American folklore , including the North American tradition known as Thanksgiving and the monument known as Plymouth Rock . 
