This 1899 illustration shows: Pilgrims going to Church. In American history, the Pilgrims were the founders of Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. The key members of the group were English separatists who had moved to Holland in 1607-08, to the municipality of Leiden (also Leyden). They obtained a charter from London Co. and, with the help of London merchants, sailed on the Mayflower in 1620. In November 1620, the Mayflower reached near Provincetown. In March 1621, the Pilgrims disembarked at Plymouth, and the Mayflower returned to England in April. This 1899 illustrations shows the Pilgrims at Plymouth going to church.