Myles Standish was a professional English soldier who was chosen by the Pilgrims to be their military leader. Standish led multiple expeditions to explore the land and choose a site for colonization. He oversaw the construction of a fort and trained and led the colony's militia. He would play a critical role in both the colony's defense, as well as playing a key role in its government. Known for a fiery temper and an impulsive, preemptive and aggressive leadership style, Standish was at times criticized by some for the brutality of his attacks on Native Americans, yet highly respected for his bravery as well as for his skills in negotiating with Native American trading partners, and with the Pilgrims' original investors, the Merchant Adventurers Company.
