Story perspectives

Puritans Exile May Day Leader, Destroy Merrymount Maypole

11/27/2025

Summary

Story summary

In 1628, the Plymouth Colony Puritans condemned May Day celebrations and exiled Thomas Morton, leader at Merrymount.
Morton led a rival Merrymount community where a maypole was erected and festivities included singing and dancing.
Governor William Bradford labeled Morton the "Lord of Misrule" and accused him of licentiousness.
The Puritans destroyed the maypole to maintain their pious community, a move that foreshadowed later violence against Native Americans.

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Story summary

In 1628, the Plymouth Colony Puritans condemned May Day celebrations and exiled Thomas Morton, leader at Merrymount.
Morton led a rival Merrymount community where a maypole was erected and festivities included singing and dancing.
Governor William Bradford labeled Morton the "Lord of Misrule" and accused him of licentiousness.
The Puritans destroyed the maypole to maintain their pious community, a move that foreshadowed later violence against Native Americans.