What jobs were there in Plymouth Colony?
The economy of Plymouth Colony was based on agriculture, fishing, whaling, timber and fur.
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What did the Pilgrims do for work?
The Pilgrims in Holland (the Netherlands) There they remained for the next 11 or 12 years. Most found work in the cloth trades, while others were carpenters, tailors and printers. Their lives required hard work. Even young children had to work.

What type of jobs did the colonists perform?
Here are some of the typical trades of Colonial America.
- Apothecary. The apothecaries of colonial times were similar to today’s pharmacists.
- Blacksmith. The blacksmith was one of the most important tradesmen of any colonial settlement.
- Cabinetmaker.
- Chandler (candlemaker)
- Cobbler (shoemaker)
- Cooper.
- Gunsmith.
- Milliner.
How did the Pilgrims make money?
Although the money to be repaid was not nearly as much as they had borrowed, it was still a large amount of money for the Pilgrims. One of the ways they found to make the money they needed to repay their debt was through the fur trade, particularly the trade in beaver fur. And where were the best furs to be found?

What did the men Pilgrims do?
The Pilgrim men worked hard at their trades in the Old World to provide a living for their families; when they lead their families to America, they continued in the roles as leaders, protectors, and providers by establishing the colony, defending the women and children, building houses, planting fields, hunting, and …
Did the Pilgrims have servants?
As the Pilgrims began crafting the Colony, they were faced with a severe labor shortage. Colonists turned to England, Scotland and Ireland where they actively recruited new members and hired-on servants. The men, women and children hired as servants often had their passage to America paid by their future master.
What did the Pilgrims do in Plymouth?
After arriving in America, the Pilgrims searched the coast of New England for a good place to build a settlement. They eventually found a location called Plymouth. It had a calm harbor for their ship, a river for fresh water, and flat lands where they could plant crops.
What kind of jobs were there in the 1500s?
These are some of the jobs you might learn by becoming an apprentice:
- Cordwainer. A cordwainer made shoes out of leather.
- Weaver. A weaver made cloth by weaving yarn together on a loom.
- Tailor. A tailor made clothes for people who could afford to buy them rather than make their own.
- Smith.
- Mason.
- Barber.
- Servants.
- Merchants.
What did the Pilgrims use for money?
The early settlers brought coins from Europe but they went quickly back there to pay for supplies. Without enough money, the colonists had to barter for goods or use primitive currency such as Indian wampum, nails, and tobacco.
Did the Plymouth Colony Farm?
The colonists at Plymouth called their town a “plantation,” a word that comes from the word “plant.” Farming was a major part of the Pilgrims’ lives. They grew crops in large open fields. Women planted and tended vegetables and herbs in small gardens behind their houses.
What was life like for the Pilgrims?
During their two-month journey to America, the Mayflower’s passengers faced cramped quarters, rough seas, limited food and numbing cold. During their two-month journey to America, the Mayflower’s passengers faced cramped quarters, rough seas, limited food and numbing cold.
What did the Pilgrim children do?
These skills included gardening, cooking and preserving food, tending to the younger children, and sewing and mending clothes and bedding. Pilgrim children spent much of their day working, but sometimes, their parents allowed them to play games that improved their bodies or minds.
Were there slaves in Plymouth?
In the later years of the Plymouth colony, slavery was by no means widespread, but it was present and seemingly accepted. The families of the colony did not possess the wealth to own slaves, though records from 1674 onwards show the presence of slaves in some households.
What was the most common job in Colonial America?
6 Common Jobs in Colonial America
- Wigmaker. Wigs—or “perukes”—were an expensive, high-fashion accessory among wealthy men in the 13 colonies.
- Apothecary.
- 13 Everyday Objects of Colonial America.
- Printer.
- Tavern Keeper.
- Shoemaker.
- Saddler.
- 5 Myths About Slavery.
What were some peasant jobs?
The five most common jobs were farming, carpentry, butchery, shoemaking and Church-related work.
What were some jobs that peasants had to do?
Most medieval peasants worked in the fields. They did farm-related jobs, such as plowing, sowing, reaping, or threshing.