Skip forward to 1630, 21 years after Henry Hudson discovered New York. Another ship is again sailing west, this time led by English lawyer John Winthrop. His group of Puritans has set out to start a new nation where they can live freely.

During the voyage, Winthrop pens a famous and foundational document. At the end of their journey, the crew of the Arbella establish their colony on the shores of Massachusetts. In time, they dedicate an island, known today as Governor's Island, to John Winthrop. Like Henry Hudson, these settlers have no way to foretell the shocking story that will arise from this island 371 years later.