1621 Facts for Kids

Millennium:	2nd millennium
Centuries:	16th century – 17th century – 18th century
Decades:	1590s 1600s 1610s – 1620s – 1630s 1640s 1650s
Years:	1618 1619 1620 – 1621 – 1622 1623 1624

The year 1621 was a time of important events, especially for the early European settlers in North America and for countries in Europe. New leaders took power, peace agreements were made, and new cities were started. It was also a year when a major scientific discovery happened.

Key Events of 1621
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Key Events of 1621

New Leaders and Beginnings

On February 9, a new pope was chosen. His name was Gregory XV. The pope is the leader of the Catholic Church.
Just a few days later, on February 17, Myles Standish became the first commander of Plymouth Colony. A commander is like a military leader. Plymouth Colony was one of the first English settlements in North America.

Peace and Journeys in Plymouth Colony

A very important meeting happened on March 16. A Native American man named Samoset, who was part of the Wampanoag people, visited the settlers at Plymouth Colony. He greeted them by saying, "Welcome, Englishmen! My name is Samoset." This was a friendly first contact.
Soon after, on March 22, the Pilgrims from Plymouth Colony signed a peace treaty with Massasoit, the leader of the Wampanoag people. A treaty is a formal agreement between groups or nations. This treaty helped keep peace between the settlers and the Wampanoag for many years.
After a busy time, the famous ship Mayflower began its journey back home. On April 5, it sailed away from Plymouth Colony to return to Great Britain.

Changes in Europe

In Europe, a new city was founded in Sweden. The Swedish city of Gothenburg was started by Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, who was the King of Sweden.
Also in Europe, the city of Riga came under the rule of Sweden. This meant Sweden took control of Riga, which is now the capital of Latvia.

A Scientific Discovery

In the world of science, a man named Willebrord Snell made an important discovery. He figured out the laws of refraction. Refraction is what happens when light bends as it passes from one material to another, like from air into water.