History, in generations
How many generations ago did the Mayflower arrive?
The Mayflower reached Cape Cod in November 1620. Historical sources often give the date as November 11 because England was still using the Julian calendar; that corresponds to November 21 in the Gregorian calendar used here.
From November 21, 1620 (Gregorian calendar) to October 16, 2026
16.2generations
About 406 years, using an average of 25 years per generation.
This page uses November 21, 1620, the Gregorian-calendar equivalent of November 11 in the Old Style date used in many accounts for the Mayflower's arrival at Cape Cod.
Try this date in the calculatorArrival is different from the Plymouth landing
The ship first reached Cape Cod before the passengers later settled at Plymouth. The Mayflower Compact was also signed during this period. These milestones are sometimes conflated, so this page specifically counts from the Cape Cod arrival date.
The source date is often written November 11, 1620 (Old Style). The generation calculation converts it to November 21, 1620 (Gregorian) to avoid mixing calendar systems.
How the generation estimate works
The elapsed time from the chosen Gregorian date is divided by 25 years. The answer is an approximation of historical distance, not the number of family generations since the voyage.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Mayflower arrive in America?
The Mayflower reached Cape Cod in November 1620. Many accounts use November 11 in the Julian calendar; this page gives the equivalent Gregorian date, November 21.
Is the Mayflower's arrival the same as the landing at Plymouth?
No. Cape Cod was reached first; the passengers later settled at Plymouth. This page counts from the Cape Cod arrival.