To bind the group into a political body, Bradford helped draft the important Mayflower Compact en route to America. Once on land, he helped select the site for the new colony. In 1621, after the colony's first, disastrous winter, he was unanimously elected governor, and he served in that position for some 30 years between 1621 and 1656. His remarkable tact, honesty, and political ability proved indispensable in assuring the colony's survival, and he helped avert numerous potential disasters. He was instrumental in establishing and fostering the principles of self-government and religious freedom that characterized later American colonial government.

Works by William Bradford Mourt's Relation Of Plymouth Plantation A Dialogue Between Some Young Men & Sundry Ancient Men

Though lacking in formal education, Bradford possessed native literary ability. His vivid account of the early settlement, History of Plimoth Plantation, 1620-1647, not published in full until 200 years after his death (1856), has been a unique source of information about the Puritans' voyage and the challenges that faced the settlers.

Web sites about William Bradford Modern History Sourcebook: William Bradford, from History of Plymouth Plantation William Bradford teacher's guide, by Phillip Gould The Avalon Project at the Yale Law School: William Bradford, Surrender of the Patent of Plymouth Colony to the Freemen