Category: Concord, sailed Mar 26, 1602

Categories: Great Migration Ships | 1600s Sailings

Concord, sailed Mar 26, 1602

Thought to be the first European expedition to the new world for the purpose of settlement, passengers and crew totaling thirty-two, led by Bartholomew Gosnold (1571-1607)[1], departed Falmouth, England, 26 March 1602[2] aboard the bark, Concord. Eight on board were "mariners and saylers." Of the passengers, about half were to "remayne there for population."[3]

After about seven weeks at sea, land along the New England coast was sighted,[4] at perhaps Cape Elizabeth, Maine.[1] After sailing along the coast for a few days, the expedition reached Provincetown Harbor.[1] Finding an abundance of cod at the place, they called it "Cape Cod."[4] Gosnold is also credited with having named a place Martha's Vineyard--but this name was given to the location now called No-Mans Land, rather than the better known island at Cape Cod.[4]

Apparent discontent among those who were to remain "for population" had developed, so that after less than a month, the "whole company" returned to England.[4] It is said that the expedition was sponsored by Henry Wriothesley, third earl of Southampton.[5] An account of the Concord voyage/Gosnold expedition was written by passenger John Brereton; it was published in 1602.[6]

Sources:

• [1] "Bartholomew Gosnold," Wikipedia (accessed 2014).
• [2] Concord," Neptune's Needle [wiki] (accessed 2014).
• [3]Citing "Purchas," in Abiel Holmes, D.D., American annals : or, A chronological history of America, from its discovery in 1492 to 1806, 2 vols. (1813), 117-119; digital images, Hathi Trust (accessed 2014).
• [4]Abiel Holmes, D.D., American annals : or, A chronological history of America, from its discovery in 1492 to 1806, 2 vols. (1813), 117-119; digital images, Hathi Trust (accessed 2014).
• [5]Anne Shurtleff Stevens, "Concord," Packrat Productions (accessed 2014).
• [6] See John Brereton, A Briefe and True Relation of the Discouerie of the North Part of Virginia (1602; reprint, 1903); digital images, Internet Archive (accessed 2014).

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