Arms and Armor of the Pilgrims, 1620-1692

"Arms and Armor of the Pilgrims, 1620-1692" by Harold L. Peterson is a mid-20th century historical exploration of the Pilgrims' military equipment during their settlement in North America, emphasizing their fight for survival. It follows the arms and armor employed by the settlers, and how these tools changed as they adjusted to new conditions. Peterson presents an overview of the Pilgrims' weaponry, diving into defensive armor like helmets and breastplates, edged weapons such as swords, and firearms, and explains their modifications and eventual replacements due to the necessities of their new home. The book shows the shift from matchlock to flintlock muskets and how advancements in weaponry influenced military tactics and the overall survival methods of the Pilgrims. Peterson communicates how crucial arms and armor became for defense and sustenance in the Pilgrims' early colonial existence by giving specific descriptions and historical background information.