Plantation Covenant facts for kids
The Plantation Covenant of Guilford, Connecticut, sometimes called the Guilford Covenant, was an important agreement signed by English colonists. It acted as the founding document for their new settlement, Quinnipiac, which is known today as New Haven, Connecticut. This special agreement was signed on June 1, 1639.
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What Was the Plantation Covenant?
The Plantation Covenant was a written promise or agreement. It was like a set of rules for a new community. The people who signed it were planning to start a new life in a new place. This document helped them organize their new settlement.
Why Did They Sign It?
The colonists signed the covenant because they were moving to a new land. They wanted to make sure everyone worked together. It was a way to promise to help each other and build their new home. They also agreed to stay together and not leave the group without permission.
Who Signed the Covenant?
The covenant was signed on a ship by twenty-five English immigrants. Most of these people were young men and women. They came from places like Surrey and Kent in England. The group was led by a person named Rev. Henry Whitfield. The names were listed in order of their social standing. Two children of William and Esther Hall were also part of this group. These adventurers later became farmers in Guilford.
What Did the Covenant Say?
The covenant was a promise to work together. It said that the signers intended to settle in New England, especially around Quinnipiac. They promised to join together as one community. They also agreed to help each other with any common work. This help would be given according to each person's ability and what was needed. The signers also promised not to leave the group unless most of the company agreed. They decided to wait until they were settled before forming a church or choosing church leaders.
Where Did They Settle?
After signing the covenant, these colonists eventually settled in a place they called Guilford. This area is now part of Connecticut. They built their new lives there as farmers, following the promises they made in the Plantation Covenant.
