In later years, religious thanksgiving services were declared by civil leaders such as Governor Bradford, who planned a thanksgiving celebration and fast in 1623.

Governor Bradford described the first land grants in the Town as being made for tillage and cattle.

Governor Bradford presided over the civil ceremony.

In early 1621 he had been one of several key leaders that Governor Bradford depended on after the death of John Carver.

After Morton's death, Governor Bradford took a keen interest in helping to raise the Morton children.

Governor Bradford made a special appearance.

Governor Bradford wrote that the storm drowned seventeen Native Americans and toppled or destroyed thousands of trees; many houses were also flattened.

He regularly preached and according to Governor Bradford, "his teachings were well approved."

Governor Bradford later wrote that Williams fell "...into some strange opinions which caused some controversy between the church and him."

The residence of Governor Bradford was raided by the natives before the Wampanoags were defeated.