In the fall of 1620, a battered merchant ship called the Mayflower sent sail across the Atlantic.

It carried 102 men, women, and children risking it all to start again in the new world.

Every week on American history tellers, host Lindsay Graham takes you through the moments that shaped America.

In the latest season, explore the untold story of the Pilgrims, one that goes far beyond the familiar tale of the first Thanksgiving.

After landing at Cape Cod, the pilgrims forged an unlikely alliance

with the Wampanag people. They helped survive the most brutal winter they had ever known,

laying the foundation for a powerful national myth. But behind that story lies another, one of conflict, betrayal, and brutal violence

against the very people who help them survive. You're about to hear a clip from American

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Imagine it's October 1620.

It's late at night, and you're on board the Mayflower, somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

You're the captain of the ship, and you and your crew are trying to navigate your way through

a violent storm.

Rain lashes your face as you cling to a rope ladder, bracing yourself as another gigantic wave

batters the hull. Bring the light closer. One of your sailors, a green horn named Thomas,

holds a swinging lantern above you. You lean down to inspect the main timber beam that runs from one side of the

hole to the other. You catch your breath as you discover a large crack running down the center.

Oh, God help us. We can't go on like this. You and Thomas climb back down the rope ladder

as half a dozen members of your crew gather around you. Thomas plants his boots wide on the lurching deck, rain drops

running off the brim of his hat. What do you mean, Captain, we can't go on. She won't hold.

I won't risk our lives any longer. These autumn westerlies are making this voyage impossible.

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