Plymouth Rock Tour - Caravan Tours
Caravan New England Vacations include visits to several historical USA destinations. These include Boston’s Old North Church where Paul Revere began his famous midnight ride, Battle Green where the American Revolution started, and of course a stop at Plymouth Rock Monument near Boston.
Plymouth Rock Massachusetts is where it is believed that pilgrims from the Mayflower arrived in the United States in 1620.
These fully guided New England Fall Foliage Tours run from May to October and are most popular in September and October when you can experience the exceptional fall colors of the US East Coast.
These fall colors tours are also a great way to see the historical sites critical to the founding of the United States, including the Plymouth Rock Monument.
Caravan’s affordable New England vacation packages include all itinerary excursions, plus airport transfers, ground transportation, accommodations, meals, and free bottled water.
Visit Plymouth Rock on our Caravan New England tour:
Call 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826)
Plymouth Rock Facts & FAQs
What is Plymouth Rock?
The famous Plymouth Rock Monument is the historical landing place of William Bradford and the Mayflower Pilgrims. While not officially confirmed, the 10-ton glacial erratic boulder is commonly believed to be the steppingstone for the pilgrims into the New World. This famous landmark attracts nearly one million people annually who come to see the iconic location and boulder that represents freedom and new opportunities for new Americans.
Where is Plymouth Rock Monument?
The Plymouth Rock Monument is located in the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts approximately 40 miles southwest of Boston and just 52 miles before Martha’s Vineyard, your next stop on the tour. Guests of Caravan Tours visit Plymouth Rock Monument on their way from Boston to the southern shore of Cape Cod.
Plymouth Rock History
It wasn’t until nearly 100 years after the Mayflower arrived that the first official mention of Plymouth Rock occurred. Historical records show that in 1715 Plymouth Rock was referred to as a “great rock.”
Then, in 1741, Elder Thomas Faunce made the first official claim that Plymouth Rock was the landing place of the pilgrims at a time when the town of Plymouth was making plans to build a wharf and bury the rock.
Faunce’s sentimental attachment to the rock (including making a tearful goodbye) made such an impression on the residents that they decided to adjust their wharf plans and signify the importance of this area by creating the Plymouth Rock Monument.
In 1774, Plymouth Rock was split into two pieces – the bottom half remained in place at the wharf and the top half was moved to the town’s meeting place. Later, in 1834, the top half of the rock was again moved to Pilgrim Hall.
Over the years the rock has been relocated several times throughout the town of Plymouth. Today, it is estimated that only one-third to one-half of the top part of the rock remains.
Plymouth Rock Visitor Info
At present, Plymouth Rock Monument is located inside the Pilgrim Memorial State Park and is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. While many visitors comment that Plymouth Rock is not nearly as large as they anticipated, it is important to note that up to half the rock has been moved or chiseled away over the past 300 years.
The excitement of visiting the Plymouth Rock Monument lies in what this New England area represents – new beginnings, hope, and freedom. Many visitors also have ancestors who first arrived in the United States at this New England location, which adds even more special meaning.
Who Named Plymouth Rock?
On September 15, 1620, the Mayflower, with 101 people on board, left the town of Plymouth in England and sailed towards America. When the Mayflower finally reached land on December 26, 1620, the pilgrims came ashore and built the Plymouth Colony. Many attribute the naming of Plymouth Rock to William Bradford, the first governor of the new colony.
How Big is Plymouth Rock Today?
Plymouth Rock is estimated to be a total of 10 tons. Only the top third of the rock (about 4 tons) is visible. The rest of the rock (about 6 tons) is buried under the sand. As mentioned above, only one-third to one-half of the original rock remains. The rest has been lost due to relocation over the years and people chipping off pieces of the rock for souvenirs in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Can You Touch Plymouth Rock?
No, you can’t touch the Plymouth Rock Monument as an iron gate and columns now protect it.
About Caravan Tours
Caravan Tours began as a family-run, fully guided tour company back in 1952 and we’re proud to celebrate our 70th anniversary in 2022!
Since then, we’ve grown a lot and now offer affordable fully guided tours throughout the United States, Canada, and Central America. We are still a family-owned and operated tour company!
For more information about Plymouth Rock Monument or about our New England Fall Foliage tours please contact us: