Pilgrim (Founding) Fathers

In 1608 Leiden became a safe haven for the religious refugees escaping England in fear of prosecution. From 1620 these so-called 'Pilgrim Fathers' made the courageous decision to sail to North America or 'New World'. Many plaques, monuments and buildings in Leiden commemorate these brave men, who are referred to as 'The Founding Fathers' in the Unites States. In fact several American presidents were direct descendants of these pilgrims.