The first permanent European settlement in New England, Plymouth, was settled by intrepid and self-reliant Pilgrims (then known as the Puritans), who recognized from the beginning that both England's European rivals and the Indian natives posed human threats. The territory itself was unknown but also presumed potentially hostile. Plymouth, the county seat, was established on Dec. 21, 1620; Plymouth Colony was established in 1633; Plymouth became a part of Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1691.The Colony of Massachusetts was the first English speaking government to adopt permanent military regiments in December, 1636. The men and women in this first colony were immortalized in 'The Courtship of Miles Standish' by US poet Henry Longfellow in 1863.

Today, Plymouth County, MA, has a population of 472,822 (2000 census). This southeastern Massachusetts county is a fishing and tourist center, with ship-building and other maritime related industries, cranberry-packing houses. Plymouth Rock, a major tourist attraction, is enshrined in the state's smallest State Park, Pilgrim Memorial State Park. Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum of the 17th century, and a recreation of the Mayflower are also available to one million visitors yearly. Part of the Boston metropolitan area, with T Commuter Train Rail Service from Boston, employment, cultural, and recreational opportunities are many and varied. (Unemployment in Massachusetts is among the lowest in the nation.)

Plymouth County consists of many notable townships, and cities, including:

Plymouth County offers boating, fishing, swimming, shopping (it is noted for its antiques), historic tours, golfing, and winery visits.

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