When we think of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims, we often picture hardship, faith, and the first Thanksgiving.  But there's another surprising—and very real—reason the Pilgrims ended up in Plymouth: they were running low on beer.

In 1620, beer wasn’t just a comfort drink—it was a staple of survival. Water could be dangerous to drink due to contamination, but beer was safe thanks to the brewing process.  Even children were given a weaker version called “small beer.”

Originally planning to settle near the Hudson River, the crew of the Mayflower made a critical decision when they reached the coast of New England: they would go no farther south.  According to historical accounts from Mourt’s Relation (1622), their beer supply was dangerously low, and the crew needed to save what remained for the return trip to England.