The Harbor Where the Compact Was Signed
A Civil Body Politic · November 11, 1620
In November 1620, forty-one men aboard the Mayflower, at anchor in what is now Provincetown Harbor, signed an agreement to govern themselves. Today Provincetown has no Republican Town Committee. We’re your neighbors in the Cape’s Republican town committees, and we’re here to help Provincetown start one — so every voter in town has a real choice on the ballot.
Before anyone went ashore, the men aboard agreed to “covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick.” Provincetown still governs itself by Open Town Meeting, where every registered voter has a vote.
Country & Heritage
A strong sense of pride in our country and our heritage, and America’s enduring role as leader of the free world.
Government Closest to the People
Government “of, by, and for the people” that minimizes its intervention in citizens’ lives — promoting individual responsibility, initiative, and free enterprise.
Family, Character & Integrity
The strengthening and defense of the family, and government grounded in good character and personal integrity.
Read more about this effort and the town’s history.
Provincetown does not have an organized Republican Town Committee today. This site is hosted by the RTC Network — the Republican town committees of Cape Cod and the South Shore working together — to help Provincetown Republicans and independents find each other and start one. If you live in Provincetown and want a real choice on your ballot, raise your hand. All Republicans and Independents are welcome. Want to know what’s happening in Town government this week? See the Town Meetings page.
“…covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation…”
— the Mayflower Compact, signed by forty-one men aboard ship on November 11, 1620 (Old Style; November 21 by today’s calendar), at anchor in what is now Provincetown Harbor, before the passengers went on to Plymouth. The original document is lost; its wording survives through William Bradford. (Text: Avalon Project, Yale Law School. Date and place: Pilgrim Hall Museum; National Park Service, Cape Cod National Seashore.)