On August 4, 1920, President Woodrow Wilson ordered two U.S. Navy ships to intercept a British-chartered vessel attempting to lay a telegraphic cable off the coast of Miami. The cable, backed by Western Union, was intended to link the United States with Barbados and eventually Brazil—but the company had jumped the gun, moving forward without formal government approval.
That same day, Wilson issued a presidential proclamation declaring December 21, 1920, as “Pilgrim’s Day,” in honor of the 300th anniversary of the Mayflower’s landing. He called for nationwide observance, especially in schools and universities, to reflect on the Pilgrims’ legacy of civic liberty and self-governance.
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