The Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony are a small band of religious extremists who flee persecution in Europe with the hopes of creating a more godly society in the New World. These are not the sober, gray-haired Founding Fathers of legend; they’re young, passionate and highly educated rebels who believe their king’s religion violates the true faith. Condemned as traitors in England and forced into a life of exile and poverty in Holland, the group decides to risk all and take their chances in the wilds of America.

In order to realize their venture, these pilgrims must join forces with strangers who do not share their religious beliefs. The conflict between the two groups is exacerbated by a perilous sea voyage, disease, and the harsh realities of surviving in the middle of winter in a hostile land. After much turmoil and hardship the colonists form a cohesive group and find a way to forge a life for themselves in America, learning from and creating a fragile, temporary truce with the native peoples.

Using historically accurate dramatizations, this History Channel three-hour special was shot on location at historic Plimoth Plantation, as well as in England, Belgium, Maryland and Virginia. Interviews with leading historians, scholars and modern day members of the Wampanoag native American community reveal the intricacy of the real story, an epic journey touched by religious fervor and intolerance, personal triumph and tragedy.

Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of The Mayflower digs deeper into the facts than any previous documentary, to paint a devastating picture of the difficult lives of these early immigrants. Based on meticulous historical research and original source material , the program recreates the fascinating world of the Pilgrims in all its complexity. From the treacherous ocean passage to the first years of struggle to establish a new home, the story of Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony is the story of America, with all its contradictions.